An observational study of the pH value during the healing process of diabetic foot ulcer

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated the pH (potential of hydrogen) value of diabetic foot ulcers and explored the relationship between the pH value and infection, sinus formation, stasis dermatitis, and the process of healing. METHODS: From October 2022 to June 2023, 99 patients with 106 diabetic foot ulcers were selected. Diabetic foot ulcers were treated in a standardized manner by a professional team. The pH value, area, PUSH (Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing) score, and the degree of infection of the wounds were compared before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The baseline wound pH value in 76.4% of the patients was in the alkaline range and was closely related to the degree of infection (P < 0.05). As the ulcers healed, the pH decreased. For moderately and severely infected diabetic foot ulcers, each unit decrease in pH was associated with a decrease in the PUSH score of approximately 4.6 points (P < 0.05). The pH values of wounds with surrounding ecchymosis dermatitis were significantly higher than those of wounds without ecchymosis dermatitis (P < 0.05). The pH value of the wound with a sinus tract was higher. After treatment, there was no significant difference in pH value between the patients with and without sinus tracts (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of pH value is efficient and simple, and the patient suffers no discomfort in the process. The change in pH helps predict the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers and quickly identify whether there are key factors such as infection and ischemia in the wound. It is suggested that dynamic pH monitoring be included in the whole course evaluation and intervention strategy development of diabetic foot.