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Diabetic Foot and Fungal Infections: Etiology and Management from a Dermatologic Perspective

Aditya K Gupta1,2, Avner Shemer3,4, Vasiliki Economopoulos2,5

  • 1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H2, Canada.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic foot complications like ulcers and infections are increased by common fungal infections. Managing these superficial fungal infections is key to reducing severe diabetic foot issues and amputations.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Diabetology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Diabetes Mellitus (DM) significantly increases risks for severe lower limb complications.
  • Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and infections (DFI) are major causes of morbidity, mortality, and amputation in diabetic patients.
  • Superficial fungal infections, like tinea pedis and onychomycosis, are prevalent and exacerbate DFU/DFI risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the etiology of diabetic foot complications.
  • To discuss screening and management strategies for fungal infections in diabetic patients.
  • To highlight the dermatologist's role in a multidisciplinary team for managing tinea pedis and onychomycosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on diabetic foot complications and fungal infections.
  • Analysis of the link between superficial mycoses and DFU/DFI development.
  • Examination of current treatment and management guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Superficial fungal infections directly elevate the risk of DFU and DFI in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus.
  • Effective management of tinea pedis and onychomycosis can mitigate DFU/DFI progression.
  • Multidisciplinary care, including dermatologists, is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Reducing the burden of fungal infections in diabetic feet is essential for preventing severe complications.
  • Early screening and appropriate treatment of fungal infections can decrease amputation rates.
  • Integrated dermatological care improves the management of diabetic foot complications.
Keywords:
diabetes mellitusdiabetic foot infectiondiabetic foot ulceronychomycosistinea pedis

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