Effect of Infrared Radiation on the Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcer is a worldwide health care concern affecting tens of thousands of patients. If these ulcers left untreated, they can create severe complications.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine the effect of infrared radiation on the healing of diabetic foot ulcer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was performed on 50 patients referred to Dr. Ganjavian hospital in Dezful city, Iran, with diabetic foot ulcer degree 1 and 2 (based on Wegener Scale). Sample size was determined based on relevant studies of the recent decade. Patients were classified into the intervention and control groups (n = 25 in each group) in terms of age, gender, degree of ulcer, ulcer site and body mass index. In this study, work progress was evaluated according to the checklist of diabetic foot ulcer healing evaluation.

RESULTS: The results of the current study showed that there was a statistically significant difference in healing ulcers (P < 0.05) and mean healing time (P < 0.05) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Using the infrared plus routine dressing is more effective than using merely routine dressing.