Guidelines
Diabetic Foot Infection (DFI)

Diabetic Foot Infection (DFI)

Key Messages

Timely intervention by a multidisciplinary care team can reduce amputation rates for DFI

Physical exam with complete wound assessment is necessary at admission: dressings off, probing, measurements, (depth and size), presence of neuropathy

Mild DFI are caused predominantly by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, and do not require broad-spectrum antibiotics

Definitions

At least 2 of the following present:

  • Local swelling or induration
  • Erythema >0.5 but <2 cm around the wound
  • Local tenderness or pain
  • Local increased warmth
  • Purulent discharge

Infection with no systemic manifestations and involving 1 of:

  • Erythema extending >2cm from the wound margin
  • Tissue deeper than skin and subcutaneous tissues (eg. tendon, muscle, joint and bone)

Any foot infection with associated systemic manifestations

Infection Type