THE SKIN IN DIABETIC PATIENTS

Abstract

In view of the probable increased susceptibility to infection of the feet generally considered to be present in diabetic patients, we have attempted to ascertain the bacterial and fungous flora of the interdigital spaces of the feet in a series of patients taken as they were admitted to the New England Deaconess Hospital. One hundred patients, whether or not they complained or gave a history of disease of the skin in this location, were examined, and it seemed to us that these patients might be considered fairly representative. Scales and bits of skin were taken from the interdigital spaces, collected in sterile containers, examined microscopically and later were planted on Sabouraud medium. There was no cleansing of the skin in any way before taking the scales and no treatment of the scales before planting, since we wished to obtain all organisms which might be present. Fifteen plants were made of