Objectives:
Fungal infections are the leading cause of foot lesions in diabetics. However, oral and topical antifungal therapies require prolonged use and are often difficult to implement in polypharmacy situations due to the risk of drug interactions and poor patient compliance. This study presents the case of a diabetic patient treated for long-standing tinea pedis without the use of antifungal drugs. The treatment relied solely on herbal ointments and pharmacopuncture.
Methods:
The patient used two kinds of herbal ointments daily, and acupuncture was performed on the affected area approximately every 10 days via home-visiting healthcare service.
Results:
Approximately 1 month after treatment initiation, clearance of moccasin-type tinea pedis was observed. High patient satisfaction was reported, with decreased pain on walking and a half-point improvement in the Bates-Jensen wound assessment tool score.
Conclusion:
Effective short-term treatment of tinea pedis in a diabetic patient was achieved using herbal topicals and acupuncture, without the use of antifungal medication.