Abstract

Background: Foot infections represent a spectrum of disorders which affects skin, soft tissue, fascia, tendon, bone.  These infections are common in patients with comorbidities like diabetes, peripheral vascular diseases and immunocompromised state.

Here only common infections emphasized and discussed which are cellulitis, paronychia, ulcer, necrotizing fasciitis, tinea pedis, osteomyelitis and gangrene.

Aim: To compare the incidence, prevalence, magnitude of infection, microbial profile, morbidity, mortality, complications and treatment options among diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.

Material and Methods: 40 patients with foot infections were taken for retrospective study in CMCH for a period of six months.

Foot infections are most common in people with diabetes because of compromised vascular supply (microangiopathy), local trauma or pressure in association with lack of sensation because of neuropathy that run in a spectrum from cellulitis to gangrene.  In my study also diabetic  foot infections contributes 75%.

Results and Conclusion: The analysis of foot infections conducted in Coimbatore medical college hospital shows infections wee common in diabetics (70%).  And in non diabetics(30%) followed by in decreasing order of frequency cellulitis in diabetics(12.5%), non diabetics(5%), gangrene in diabetics(12.5%), non diabetics(5%) then other infections paronychia, tinea pedis, necrotizing fascitits, osteomyelitis.

Morbidity and mortality rates were also higher in diabetic foot infections.  Amputation rates were also higher in diabetics (12.5%), non diabetics(5%) in total(17.5%).  In total 100% study population 85% were treated as inpatients, rest15% were treated as outpatients. This study emphasizes that diabetis mellitus needs to be treated as aholistic approach through dietary adjustments, exercise, medications, educational programmes and self care measures.