ABSTRACT

The prevalence of skin lesions is high in diabetic foot ulcers. It is found that grade 1 and 3 diabetic foot ulcers were frequently accompanied by skin lesions. The presence of skin lesions was associated with prolonged wound care and a high rate of amputation. Consequently; to reduce morbidity and treatment costs in addition to ulcer treatment skin lesions should be carefully examined and treated in early period.

Fifty seven patients were female, 63 were male. The mean age was 56.88±14.8, mean diabetes duration was 15,31±8,61 yeras. Mean HbA1c was 9,12±2,06%. Osteomyelitis were observed in 34.1%.55% patients had at least one cutaneous sign [most frequently Tinea unguium (47.3%)]. 87.8% of patients with skin lesions had grade 1,2,3 and nearly half (42.4%) had grade 3 diabetic foot ulcers. Antibiotics use, amputation and prolonged wound care were observed significantly higher in patients with skin lesions (p<0.05).

A hundered and twenty patients with diabetic foot ulcers admitted to Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Diabetic Foot Clinic were evaluated retrospectively. The Wagner grade of diabetic foot ulcers, wound treatment, character and number of skin lesions determined by dermatologic examination, glycemic control and complications were recorded.

We aimed to determine the incidence and clinical spectrum of skin lesions accompanied with diabetic foot ulcers and investigate the relationship between Wagner Classification.