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What Causes Black Discoloration On The Foot While Having Diabetes?
Question: Hello, my uncle has Diabetes and is undergoing dialysis. Recently he has developed blackish skin on his foot great toe.
My questions are:
1. Is this gangrene?
2. How can it be treated?
3. If it requires amputation, how soon does that need to be done?
Thanks
My questions are:
1. Is this gangrene?
2. How can it be treated?
3. If it requires amputation, how soon does that need to be done?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Consult foot surgeon immediately.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
Noted your concern.
Went through your uncle's clinical details and pictures attached.
1) Yes there is very likely possibility of gangrene.
2) Without further delay consult foot surgeon if available or go to ER.
There is a need for immediate detailed physical examination.
Assessment of blood supply to legs. For that lower limb arterial doppler may be suggested.
There may be need for hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, insulin treatment for blood sugar control. Assessment of kidney & liver function.
3) Decision of amputation depend upon physical examination & assessment of blood supply.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
Consult foot surgeon immediately.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
Noted your concern.
Went through your uncle's clinical details and pictures attached.
1) Yes there is very likely possibility of gangrene.
2) Without further delay consult foot surgeon if available or go to ER.
There is a need for immediate detailed physical examination.
Assessment of blood supply to legs. For that lower limb arterial doppler may be suggested.
There may be need for hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, insulin treatment for blood sugar control. Assessment of kidney & liver function.
3) Decision of amputation depend upon physical examination & assessment of blood supply.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Brief Answer:
Doppler report is acceptable.
Detailed Answer:
Doppler report suggest adequate blood flow.
But actual physical examination and clinical assessment is important in deciding further line of management.
TLC of 23000 denotes infection.
There is a need for close monitoring of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, urine output and other vitals, intravenous antibiotics.
Follow his treating diabetologist.
Hope this helps.
Doppler report is acceptable.
Detailed Answer:
Doppler report suggest adequate blood flow.
But actual physical examination and clinical assessment is important in deciding further line of management.
TLC of 23000 denotes infection.
There is a need for close monitoring of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, urine output and other vitals, intravenous antibiotics.
Follow his treating diabetologist.
Hope this helps.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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