What medication should be used for ulcerated toes in diabetic patients?
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, foot toe ulcers in diabetic patients are often caused by poor blood glucose control leading to neuropathy and vascular disease, followed by secondary infection. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, exudation, and pain at the ulcer site. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as mupirocin ointment, ceftazidime injection, insulin injection, growth factor gel, and povidone-iodine solution for treatment.
Generally, ulceration of the toes in diabetic patients is often caused by poor blood glucose control leading to neuropathy and vascular disease, followed by secondary infection. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, exudation, and pain at the ulcer site. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as mupirocin ointment, ceftazidime injection, insulin injection, growth factor gel, and povidone-iodine solution for treatment. Specific details are as follows:
1. Mupirocin Ointment: A topical antibiotic that kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, showing significant effectiveness against skin infections caused by Gram-positive cocci. It is suitable for mild infections at the ulcer site; applying it directly to the affected area helps prevent worsening of the infection.
2. Ceftazidime Injection: A third-generation cephalosporin that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and has strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. It is used for moderate to severe infections associated with ulcers and administered via intravenous infusion to control systemic infection symptoms.
3. Insulin Injection: Lowers blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake and utilization in tissues. Stable blood glucose levels are fundamental to ulcer healing. The dosage should be adjusted according to blood glucose levels to maintain glucose within a reasonable range.
4. Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Gel: Promotes proliferation and differentiation of epidermal cells, accelerating granulation tissue formation and epithelial cell regeneration at the wound site. It is applied after cleaning the ulcerated area to facilitate wound healing.
5. Povidone-Iodine Solution: A topical antiseptic that releases iodine ions to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with minimal irritation to the wound. It is used to clean and disinfect the ulcer site, reducing the number of pathogens present.
In daily life, strict dietary control is essential—avoid high-sugar foods; monitor blood glucose regularly and take medications as prescribed; keep feet clean and dry, wear loose and breathable shoes and socks, avoid trauma or pressure, and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are noticed.
