Self-directed treatment for lower limb wounds in persons with diabetes: a short report

Figures & data

Table 1 Baseline characteristics of 344 patients who used self-directed treatment instead of presenting for medical advice and treatment

Characteristic	N (%)
Duration of diabetes (mean ± SD)	12.9±7.9 years
Current smokers	98 (28.5%)
Regular alcohol use	120 (34.9%)
Male sex	206 (59.9%)
Female sex	138 (40.1%)
Afro-Caribbean descent	158 (45.9%)
East Indian descent	141 (41.0%)
Mixed descent	41 (11.9%)
Chinese descent	4 (1.2%)
Prior counseling on diabetes management	344 (100%)
Prior counseling on foot complications	344 (100%)

Abbreviation: SD, standard deviation.

Table 2 Self-directed treatment for diabetic foot infections in Trinidad and Tobago

Agent	n=344	Method of use	Dose	Frequency
Oral Therapies	33
Unspecified herbal concoctions	12 (3.5%)	Premixed herbal mixtures	One cup	Twice daily
“Left-over pills”	12 (3.5%)	“Left-over pills” from uncompleted antibiotic courses that were previously prescribed for other persons to treat other diseases – patients usually followed directions as printed on the dispensed container	Variable	Variable
“Pills” purchased from informal vendors	9 (2.6%)	Red and white “pills” as provided by informal vendors	One pill	Twice daily
Topical Therapies	311
Soft candle (paraffin wax)	66 (19.2%)	Melt candle with open flame and allow hot wax to drop onto the wound, then cover with a brown paper bag	Unspecified	Variable
Honey	56 (16.3%)	Solution applied directly onto the wound	Generous	Variable
Wonder of world (Kalanchoe Pinnata)	40 (11.6%)	Heat leaves and apply leaf as a plaster onto the wound (± paraffin wax)	Unspecified	Once daily
Ichthammol ointment	36 (10.5%)	Apply paste directly onto wound and leave uncovered	Unspecified	Once daily
Aloe vera	36 (10.5%)	Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and apply cut surface directly onto the wound.	Unspecified	Variable
Heated cooking oil, grease or vaseline	36 (10.5%)	Heat over open fire until melted and then poured directly onto wound	Unspecified	Variable
Iodex ointment	23 (6.7%)	Apply paste directly onto wound	Generous	Variable
Epsom salt soak	9 (2.6%)	One cup of Epsom salts dissolved in hot water	15 minute soak	Twice daily
Methylated spirits	5 (1.5%)	Solution poured onto wound and then covered	Generous	Thrice daily
Hydrogen peroxide	2 (0.6%)	Solution poured onto cotton swabs and then applied directly onto wound	Generous	Variable
Green papaya	2 (0.6%)	Minced green papaya paste applied directly onto wound	Generous	Variable