Infected diabetic foot ulcers.

Infections of diabetic foot ulcers are a common, longstanding complication of poorly controlled diabetes. They result from the interplay of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. In most cases, diabetic foot infections are polymicrobial, and deep tissue culture after debridement is essential for identifying the true pathogens. Treatment includes bed rest, empiric and specific antibiotic therapy, and good control of diabetes.