[The diabetic foot--the view of the dermatologist]

Skin changes in the diabetic foot may indicate the risk of threatening amputation. In most diabetics necessitating leg amputation, a small skin defect played a key role. Infected skin ulcers and ingrown nails with concomitant infection are important risk factors for amputation. Regular skin care with a moisturising agent is able to reduce the risk of skin defects in a significant proportion. Amputation could be avoided in half of the cases, if correct diagnosis and adequate treatment had been made.