A diabetic foot ulcer is an open skin ulcer or lesion. About 15% of patients with diabetes experience this wound during their lifetime. In most cases, this ulcer occurs in the pressure areas of the foot, especially the soles of the feet. According to reliable studies, about 6% of patients with diabetic foot ulcers require hospitalization due to infection or complications related to the ulcer. Early diagnosis and accurate wound assessment play an important role in preventing infection, amputation and reducing complications. For this reason, viewing diabetic foot ulcer photo will help to recognize this incident faster. In this article from your doctor, we examine the image of diabetic foot ulcer in different stages and conditions in more detail.
The diabetic foot ulcer looks like this after the dressing process. The wound after debridement is clean tissue and ready for the next steps of treatment. Gangrene is seen in the toes with black and necrotic tissue, along with dry skin around.Diabetic foot with black gangrene in the toes, dry and black tissue with distinct borders. A diabetic foot ulcer may become infected.Infectious diabetic foot ulcer is seen with yellow-red purulent discharge and swollen and red surroundings.Close-up of a diabetic foot ulcer starting from a callus or blister.Diabetic foot ulcer is seen with yellow-brown discharge (pus) and infected margins.Diabetic foot ulcer looks like this. In diabetic patients, the corneal lesion can turn into an ulcer.
photo of diabetic foot ulcer in the early stages (superficial ulcer)
Diabetic foot ulcer looks like this. Diabetic foot pressure areas can cause ulcers.
In the early stages, diabetic foot ulcer usually appears as a superficial lesion. Early detection of symptoms diabetic foot ulcer onset plays an important role in preventing its progression and possible subsequent complications. In this stage, changes such as thinning, dryness or cracking of the skin are seen; Conditions that make it more susceptible to damage. The formation of calluses in high-pressure areas of the foot, especially on the heads of the metatarsals, is a common occurrence that sometimes hides the underlying wound.
Complication or problem created
Cause
Local infection of the wound
Introduction of bacteria into the wound due to poor healing, high humidity or improper care
Spreading infection to the tissues Deep
Delay in treatment, weak immune system and inappropriate control of blood sugar
Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Infiltration of deep wound infection into leg bones
Necrosis (tissue death)
Severe reduction of blood supply and lack of oxygen in leg tissue
Gangrene (gangrene)
Severe ischemia with infection and widespread tissue death
Delayed wound healing
Poor blood circulation, constant pressure on the wound and high blood sugar
Abnormal pain or numbness
Diabetic neuropathy and peripheral nerve damage
Bad odor Wound
Decomposition of dead tissue and the activity of anaerobic bacteria
Increased wound secretion
Active inflammation or bacterial infection
Deformity of the foot (Charcot foot)
Severe neuropathy and gradual destruction of bones and joints
Decreased mobility
Pain, infection, Leg instability or fear of pressure on the wound
Amputation (in severe cases)
Uncontrolled infection, gangrene, or life-threatening
Sepsis (disseminated infection of the blood)
Spread of bacteria from the wound into the bloodstream
Frequent recurrence of the wound
Failure to correct underlying factors such as Pressure, inappropriate shoes, and high blood sugar
In this table, the types of complications related to diabetic foot ulcers are examined.
English text: Early diabetic foot ulcers may lack classic signs of inflammation, especially in neuropathic patients. Persian translation: Early diabetic foot ulcers may lack classic signs of inflammation, especially in neuropathic patients.
Photo of a blister and callus that has turned into a diabetic foot ulcer
In diabetic patients, the corneal lesion can turn into an ulcer.
Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels of the foot, and as a result, the patient may not notice small injuries. Seemingly simple problems such as foot blister, corns or calluses can turn into diabetic foot ulcers if there is continued pressure and lack of proper care. These wounds will often occur in high-pressure areas such as the cushion of the sole of the foot or under the big toe.
photo of diabetic foot ulcer
Close-up of a diabetic foot ulcer starting from a callus or blister.Diabetic foot ulcer is seen with yellow-brown discharge (pus) and infected margins.
The most common site of diabetic foot ulcer is the sole of the foot; Because this area bears the most pressure of the body's weight. Impaired pressure distribution increases the likelihood of ulceration. As mentioned in scientific sources, these wounds will suffer from infection or serious complications if not properly treated.
English text: Wounds and ulcers heal faster and have a lower risk of infection if they are kept covered and moist, using dressings and topically-applied medications. Products including saline, growth factors, ulcer dressings, and skin substitutes are effective in healing foot ulcers. Persian translation: If wounds and injuries are covered and kept moist, using dressings and topical medications, they heal faster and have a lower risk of infection. Things such as saline solution, growth factors, wound dressings and skin substitutes are effective in healing foot ulcers.
photo of diabetic foot ulcer with discharge or pus (infected ulcer)
A diabetic foot ulcer may become infected.Infectious diabetic foot ulcer is seen with yellow-red purulent discharge and swollen and red surroundings.
When a diabetic foot ulcer becomes infected, it is usually associated with specific symptoms such as purulent discharge or abnormal fluid discharge from the wound. Conditions that indicate bacterial proliferation and tissue involvement. These discharges are likely to be thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling.
The unpleasant smell of the wound is one of the important symptoms of diabetic foot ulcer infection and is often caused by the decomposition of dead tissues and the activity of microorganisms. Observing these symptoms requires immediate medical evaluation; Because diabetic foot ulcer infection spreads quickly and increases the risk of serious complications such as bone involvement or even amputation.
photo of diabetic foot ulcer with black tissue (necrosis and gangrene)
Gangrene is seen in the toes with black and necrotic tissue, along with dry skin around.Diabetic foot with black gangrene in the toes, dry and black tissue with distinct borders.
Gangcaria or blackening of the diabetic toe occurs when the foot tissue does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients due to a severe reduction in blood supply. This condition is often associated with peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. Necrotic tissue is usually seen as black, dark brown or green in color and significantly increases the risk of severe infection and amputation.
photo of diabetic foot ulcer after debridement or dressing
The diabetic foot ulcer looks like this after the dressing process. This is how to dress a diabetic foot ulcer. The wound after debridement is clean tissue and ready for the next steps of treatment.
After debridement (removal of dead or infected tissue), the main goal is to keep the wound clean, moist, and controlled. The type of dressing is selected based on the characteristics of the wound, the amount of secretion, the presence of infection and the condition of the tissue. Proper care after debridement plays an important role in speeding up the wound healing process.
Conclusion
Examination of diabetic foot ulcer photo plays a vital role in early diagnosis and prevention of severe complications such as deep infection or amputation. Ulcers often appear as shallow red pits (crater-like) with thick, calloused borders on the soles of the feet, under the toes, or on the heels. In the early stages, the wound is superficial with redness, swelling and sometimes without pain (due to neuropathy). In the advanced stages, the wound deepens, accompanied by purulent discharge, bad smell, necrotic tissue (black or yellow) and sometimes tendon or bone exposure.
Signs of infection include increased surrounding redness, warmth, swelling, and fever that require immediate evaluation. Take any skin change on the leg (even small) seriously and see an endocrinologist, vascular surgeon, or wound clinic immediately for a thorough examination, imaging, and appropriate treatment (such as debridement, antibiotics, or offloading). This quick approach significantly reduces the risk of amputation.
Your doctor takes care of your health!
Frequently Asked Questions
Wound pictures can provide basic information about the appearance, extent and severity of the ulcer. But according to reliable sources, definitive diagnosis and treatment selection is not possible just by looking at the photo. An in-person examination, examination of blood supply, nerve status of the foot and, if necessary, additional tests and imaging are necessary to make a treatment decision.
