Dr. Vo Dinh Bao Van, from the Endocrinology - Diabetes Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, explained that prolonged exposure to high heat caused severe burns to Ms. Tien's feet. The damage led to widespread infection and ulcers, with tissue necrosis reaching the bone in several toes. Two of her ring toes on her left foot were almost completely destroyed.

According to Dr. Van, diabetic neuropathy often causes discomfort, numbness, and tingling sensations. However, it also impairs the perception of pain, heat, cold, and burns. While medication can alleviate some symptoms, it doesn't eliminate the discomfort entirely. This leads some patients to seek alternative remedies like heat treatment, light therapy, hot foot soaks, applying hot oils, herbal remedies, or bloodletting. These practices can escalate the problem, leading to severe infections and necrosis.

Ms. Tien received treatment for infection, blood transfusions, and blood sugar and blood pressure management, along with surgery to remove the necrotic tissue, resulting in the amputation of four toes, sparing only the big toes. Thanks to diligent wound care and successful infection control, Ms. Tien's feet were saved from further amputation or joint removal.

Dr. Van attends to Ms. Tien's wounds and changes her bandages. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

Diabetic foot complications depend on various factors, including the duration of the disease, diet, blood sugar control, adherence to treatment, and early wound care. For prevention, Dr. Van advises patients to examine their feet daily, avoid hot foot soaks, dry their feet and the spaces between toes thoroughly after bathing, trim toenails without cutting into the corners, and minimize walking barefoot. He also recommends wearing well-fitting shoes with straps.

Bach Duong