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- Title
EP144 THE ROLE OF FLUORESCENCE BACTERIAL SCANNING IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF INTERTRIGINOUS BACTERIA IN DIABETIC FEET.
- Authors
Andersen, Charles; McLeod, Katherine; Steffan, Rowena
- Abstract
Aim: Interdigital/intertriginous bacteria in diabetic patients can be a significant source of infection. Through fluorescence scans of bacteria, we previously identified an interdigital micro-fissure as the entry point for bacteria in a diabetic foot patient who did not have an obvious wound. This pilot study aims to determine the prevalence and management strategies for intertriginous bacteria in diabetic patients. Method: 10 consecutive diabetic patients being seen for lower extremity wounds not involving the toes were scanned for intertriginous bacteria using fluorescence imaging*. Results / Discussion: 50% of scanned patients had intertriginous bacteria. Of those, 2/5 had unexpected small fissures. In our treatment algorithm, all patients with diabetes and lower extremity wounds are scanned for intertriginous/interdigital bacteria. Negative scan patients are educated on daily hygiene and preventative measures. For positive scan patients, we thoroughly clean between the toes (flossing motion with gauze soaked in Dakin's solution), and if bacterial signal remains positive, patients are given at-home hygiene recommendations and a silver alginate strip** is prescribed. Conclusion: Small fissures are a potential entry point for bacteria that can lead to infection, even in absence of an obvious wound in the vicinity. Fluorescence imaging provides objective information on presence of intertriginous/interdigital bacteria. It can document its successful removal after hygiene measures, providing feedback for patients and clinicians, and is foundational for educating patients on the importance of at-home intertriginous cleansing and not applying lotion between the toes. Altogether, this may decrease risk of diabetic foot infections originating from intertriginous bacteria. *MolecuLight; **Aquacel Ag
- Subjects
ITALY; BACTERIAL disease prevention; HOST-bacteria relationships; DIABETIC foot; TOES; HYGIENE; FOOT care; CONFERENCES &; conventions; DIAGNOSTIC imaging
- Publication
Journal of Wound Management, 2023, Vol 24, Issue 2, p111
- ISSN
2788-5771
- Publication type
Article