Leg and Foot Infection Treatment

There are three common types of leg and foot ulcers.

Venous stasis ulcers

• It is primarily found on the inner side of the legs and may affect both legs. It is usually found right above the ankles.
• It is usually red with irregularly shaped borders. Yellow fibrous tissues may cover the ulcer.
• Green/yellow pus may discharge from an infected ulcer.
• The surrounding skin may be swollen (based upon the amount of oedema) and discolored.
• The ulcerated site may feel warm to touch

Neurotrophic (diabetic)

• This type of ulcer usually affects the pressure points of the feet that remain at the bottom. However, it may affect other locations of the feet. 
• The base of an ulcer may be pink/red/black/brown in appearance. It varies based upon the blood circulation.
• The ulcer may have punched out borders with calloused surrounding tissues.

Arterial (ischemic) Ulcers

• Arterial ulcers may appear on the heels, tip of the toes or between the toes.
• It may occur anywhere the bones may protrude.
• It may even occur on the nail-bed if the toenail cuts into the skin.
• The ulcer may be yellow/brown/grey/black in color.
• It usually does not bleed and has punched out borders.
• The ulcer may be infected or irritated with swelling or redness around its base.
• The redness of the leg may turn pale white/yellow after elevating the leg.

At Cutis, specialist doctors evaluate a patient’s complete medical history and thoroughly examine the wound in order to determine the stage of leg & foot ulcers or infection. A personalized treatment plan is developed depending upon a patient’s health condition and the outcome of medical imaging studies, such as MRI/CT-scan/x-ray or non-invasive vascular studies.

Treatment for leg/foot infections or ulcers depends upon the type and stage of the ulcer or infection. It also depends upon a patient’s health, additional medical conditions and the ability to take care of the wound. However, the goal of treatment remains the same in all scenarios.
Pain relief
Speedy recovery
Wound healing

Foot Infection Treatments

• Treatment for Mild-to-Moderate Infections
• Application of OTC salicylic acid for plantar warts
• Application of antifungal cream/spray for Athlete’s foot
• Application of antifungal powder
• Using antibiotic cream and blister pads
• Avoid wearing tight shoes
• Keeping the feet dry and cool

Treatment for Severe Infection

• Using oral/topical antibiotics or prescription antifungal pills/creams
• Cryotherapy for removal of plantar warts
• Vacuum-assisted closure for diabetic foot ulcers
• Debridement or other surgical procedures

Foot Ulcer Treatment

Treatment for Venous Ulcer

Venous ulcers are treated with compression of the ulcerated leg to minimize oedema and swelling. A doctor may use compression stockings, multi-layer compression wraps or ACE bandage for the treatment. The compression treatment is applied from the toes or foot to the area below the knee. The following medicated dressings are also used for treatment.

• Moist to moist dressings
• Hydrocolloids/Hydrogels
• Synthetic skin substitutes
• Collagen wound dressings
• Alginate dressings
• Antimicrobial dressings
• Debridement agents
• Composite dressings

Treatment for Arterial Ulcer

It may become necessary to perform endovascular therapy or bypass surgery to restore blood circulation to the affected leg. The goal of arterial ulcer treatment is as follows:

• Adequate protection is provided to the surface of the skin
• Preventing new ulcers from developing
• Removal of contact irritation to the existing ulcer
• Monitoring the ulcerated site for symptoms of infection that may affect the soft tissues and bone

Treatment for Neurotrophic Ulcers

• Putting off the pressure and bearing no weight on the ulcerated leg
• Regular debridement of infected tissue to ensure the healing of neurotrophic ulcer
• Wearing orthotic devices or special shoes

Yes. It is possible to prevent the ulcer from aggravating in the following manner:.

• Quit smoking
• Keeping blood-pressure and triglyceride level under control
• Control your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control through diet or medication
• Limiting sodium intake
• Managing diabetes and other health conditions
• Regular exercise
• Losing weight (for overweight individuals)

It is possible to prevent a sore from becoming an ulcer through appropriate foot care. 

• Keeping the wound clean and dry
• Changing the dressing (as directed)
• Using prescribed medications (as directed)
• Drinking plenty of fluid and following a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Regular exercise
• Wearing a pair of appropriate shoes
• Wearing compression wraps

At Cutis, an experienced surgeon may perform foot infection surgery in the following scenarios:

• Necrotic tissues are debrided in order to determine the depth of infection and the level of tissue destruction
• Mild infections pose minimum threat to a well-perfused foot, as the infection stays confined to the skin that is in the vicinity of an ulcer. However, it may become necessary to surgically remove the dead tissues. It ensures proper healing of the ulcer.
• Moderate infections pose a higher level of threat to the wellbeing of a foot. In this scenario, an antibiotic regimen is prescribed by the doctor after debridement to ensure healing. An absorptive dressing is used in order to treat the wounds that exude.
• Severe infections pose immediate threat to the wellbeing of a leg/foot. In this scenario, surgery is performed for the decompression and drainage of involved compartment. It is followed by the radical debridement of the necrotic tissues.
• Amputation may become necessary if there is Osteomyelitis along with the soft-tissue infection.
• Surgical drainage may be performed even before the revascularization procedure.