PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS

05/24/2012     

Over-Prescribing Can Lead to Antibiotic Resistance In Diabetics: PA Podiatrist

Diabetic foot infections are an increasingly common problem, but proper care can save limbs and, ultimately, lives, suggest new guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

Dr. Warren Joseph

"There is quite a bit of over-prescribing or inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for diabetic foot wounds, which doesn't help the patient and can lead to antibiotic resistance," said Warren S. Joseph, DPM, co-author of the guidelines, and consultant for lower extremity infectious diseases at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, Philadelphia. "The guidelines note that when antibiotics are necessary, they should be discontinued when the infection is gone, even if the wound hasn't completely healed," says Joseph.

Source: Laurel White, Innovations Report [5/22/12]