Dr. Ashutosh Shah on skin and soft tissue infections in the diabetic foot: warning signs, why early treatment matters and how EDFC manages infection.
In people with diabetes, a small cut, blister or ulcer on the foot can quickly turn into a serious skin and soft tissue infection. This short video from Elegance Diabetic Foot & Ulcer Clinic (EDFC) covers skin and soft tissue infection treatment for the diabetic foot, under the guidance of Dr. Ashutosh Shah.
What the Video Covers
- What skin and soft tissue infections are
- Why infections spread faster in the diabetic foot
- Warning signs that need urgent care
- How EDFC treats and controls infection
What Is a Skin and Soft Tissue Infection?
A skin and soft tissue infection affects the skin and the tissues beneath it, such as fat and the layers around muscles. In the diabetic foot, common types include cellulitis (spreading infection of the skin), abscess (a collection of pus) and infected foot ulcers.
Why Infections Are More Serious in Diabetes
- Reduced feeling: Nerve damage means a wound may go unnoticed until infection sets in.
- Poor blood flow: Reduced circulation slows healing and limits how well the body fights infection.
- High blood sugar: Uncontrolled sugar weakens the immune response and helps infection spread.
Without timely treatment, a foot infection can spread to deeper tissues or bone and may put the foot at risk.
Warning Signs of Infection
- Redness, warmth or swelling around a wound that is spreading
- Pus, discharge or a bad smell
- New or increasing pain, even in a foot that usually has little feeling
- Fever, chills or blood sugar that is suddenly hard to control
- Black or discoloured skin
Fever, rapidly spreading redness or blackening of the skin need urgent medical attention the same day.
How EDFC Treats Diabetic Foot Infections
- Assessment: The foot is examined to judge how deep and widespread the infection is, with tests such as wound swabs, blood tests or imaging when needed.
- Targeted antibiotics: Antibiotics are chosen based on the type and severity of infection.
- Drainage and debridement: Pus is drained and dead or infected tissue is removed so the infection can be controlled.
- Wound care and offloading: Dressings and pressure relief help the wound heal once infection is under control.
- Blood sugar control: Good sugar control supports the body's ability to fight infection.
Learn more about infection management, wound care and debridement and diabetic foot ulcers.
quiz Frequently Asked Questions
This video is general education, not a diagnosis. If you have a diabetic foot wound, please have it assessed in person. Send a photo on WhatsApp or book a consultation.
