[Purulent myofasciitis in a patient with diabetes treated with a vacuum boot by a zone therapist]

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. We present a case of necrotizing fasciitis in a 38 year old man with insulin dependent diabetes, who had been treated by an alternative therapist with a vacuum boot. The treatment resulted in ulcerations and later infection of the foot and ankle, which had to be treated by acute amputation. The story illustrates the risk of consulting alternative treatment when suffering from diabetic neuropathy or circulatory disturbances. We can therefore not recommend that patients of this kind receive treatment from any person without medical experience.