Assessing infected ulcers: a step-by-step guide

While every attempt can be made to avoid the development of diabetic foot ulcers, it is inevitable that some patients will present with them. Once they develop, these ulcers are hard to heal, placing the patient at increased at risk of infection and, ultimately, amputation. It is vital, therefore, that health-care professionals are able to recognise the signs of increased bioburden and infection, so that prompt treatment can be given