Diabetic Foot Infections

As many as 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and nearly a third of Americans are believed to have prediabetes. Because infections put patients with diabetes at greater risk than the rest of the population, they must have an infectious disease specialist to turn to. At the Texas Infectious Disease Institute in Richardson, Texas, Serge Lartchenko, MD, is a trusted leader in the latest treatments for diabetic foot infections. Call the office today to schedule an appointment or book one online.

What causes diabetic foot infections?

Patients with diabetes are more prone to severe infections, like diabetic foot infections. Studies indicate that people with diabetes are 21% more likely to contract contagion than the general population and that, in a sample population, approximately 12% of infection-related deaths were aggravated by diabetes.

Patients with diabetes are particularly susceptible to infection because of:

• Vascular insufficiency
• Diminished neutrophil function
• Neuropathy
• Improper foot care and ill-fitting footwear
• Poor glycemic (blood sugar level) control

Diabetes directly influences the lymphatic system and the body’s disease-fighting mechanisms. High blood sugar can weaken a person’s immune system and reduce blood flow, decreasing the white blood cell count at the extremities and increasing the chance of infection.

What kinds of diabetic foot infections are there?

Diabetic foot infections range in severity from superficial paronychia (a surface infection of the toenail or fingernail) to deep infection involving the bone. Types of infection include:

Organisms and bacteria

Staphylococcus, streptococci, pseudomonas, and many other anaerobes (organisms that don’t need oxygen to grow). Normal skin has many types of bacteria living on it. When a break develops in the skin, these bacteria can cause skin infections.

Cellulitis

A common bacterial skin infection, cellulitis can become serious; streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria are the most common causes. Good hygiene and wound care help prevent this kind of infection.

Necrotizing fasciitis

This severe bacterial infection destroys the tissue beneath the skin.

Osteomyelitis

An infection of the bone. Staphylococcus bacteria cause most cases of osteomyelitis.

Diabetic foot infections are among the common and severe complications of diabetes mellitus. Prevention, proper diagnosis, and treatment are necessary to prevent further complications, especially amputation.

What is the treatment for diabetic foot infections?

The Texas Infectious Disease Institute recommends seeking treatment through a primary care physician. However, treatment will inevitably take time, and sometimes complications, like diabetic foot infections, can occur.

This is where Dr. Lartchenko’s expertise comes in. Complications can stack up quickly in patients with diabetes. Working with an infectious disease expert and acting swiftly can lower your risk of severe complications like foot amputation.

Hand-picked to join the wound care team, Dr. Lartchenko’s extensive experience and professional background provide him with connections and expertise in treating complex wound infections, like diabetic foot infections.

The Texas Infectious Disease Institute has worked extensively with diabetic patients and the doctors who treat them. They’re ready to help you too. If you’re suffering from diabetic foot infections, don’t delay. Call the office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lartchenko, or book one online.