The Use of Aloe Vera after Infrared Therapy in the Treatment of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Case Report

Background: Infrared radiation therapy and the use of aloe Vera have been independently suggested to enhance diabetic sensory neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcer. The current case study aimed at investigating the application of aloe Vera gel after the infrared radiation therapy on a diabetic foot ulcer. Case Description: The participant was a 62 year old male patient with a 10 year history of type 2 diabetes and 5 ulcers on both plantar parts of the feet (three ulcers on the left foot, and two on the right foot). The ulcers were graded 1 on Wagner Ulcer Classification. Initially, blood perfusion on both legs was evaluated by Doppler Ultrasound, and the foot with less perfusion (left) was selected as the case and the right foot as the control group, and both feet were washed daily with normal saline solution and draped for 5 weeks. First, the ulcers on the case foot were washed, then, radiotherapy was conducted for 20 minutes from 35 cm with infrared lamp, after that, aloe Vera gel was rubbed on the ulcer and then draped; but, the control foot was just radiated by a normal red lamp that was similar to the infrared lamps at a distance of 35 cm for 20 minutes. Thereafter, placebo gel was applied on the ulcer. Necessary instructions were given to the diabetic patient on diet and diabetes treatment, and the patient's laboratory tests were also monitored. Outcomes: The first ulcer of case foot healed in the third week, the second in the fourth week, and the third in the sixth week; while in the control group, the first ulcer healed in the fifth week and the second did not exhibit any significant change at the end of week 7. After changing the method, the second ulcer of the control foot was partially healed at week 13. Discussion: Applying aloe Vera gel after infrared radiation significantly decreased the time of ulcer healing in comparison with the control. Hence, more research studies in this area are recommended to be conducted.