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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can A Wound On The Leg Be Treated While Suffering From Diabetes?

My brother in law is diabetic and was cutting his toe nails last year. He cut his toe and it never healed. He sadly lost his leg below the knee. A few weeks ago he tried to take care of a callous on his remaining foot and cut himself once again!!! This cut has been slow to heal but he called today and is alarmed that although he believed it was healing, there is a black scab. The color concerns him and us. He is waiting until Monday to see his doctor but I think he should have it looked at right away. After the amputation, he lost weight, watches his diet and swims everyday. We can t believe that he tried to shave a callous off by himself. Is a black scab a sign of infection or a natural part of the healing process?
Tue, 3 Oct 2017
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Since your brother is a Diabetic,this is a serious situation. Your brother has lost one limb. and now has infection of the other foot. This is a precious limb. The black scab is a sign of necrosis and infection, and not of healing. The first and immediate thing he must do is to STRICTLY OFF LOAD this foot to prevent spread of infection, and continue to Offload the foot till complete resolution of infection. He must dress the wound, keep it clean, and immediately consult a Podiatric surgeon or a General surgeon who is highly experience in managing the diabetic foot and lower limb infections. He may require admission in a hospital and proper management for his foot infection.
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How Can A Wound On The Leg Be Treated While Suffering From Diabetes?

Since your brother is a Diabetic,this is a serious situation. Your brother has lost one limb. and now has infection of the other foot. This is a precious limb. The black scab is a sign of necrosis and infection, and not of healing. The first and immediate thing he must do is to STRICTLY OFF LOAD this foot to prevent spread of infection, and continue to Offload the foot till complete resolution of infection. He must dress the wound, keep it clean, and immediately consult a Podiatric surgeon or a General surgeon who is highly experience in managing the diabetic foot and lower limb infections. He may require admission in a hospital and proper management for his foot infection.