J Korean Burn Soc.  2020 Dec;23(2):60-63. 10.47955/jkbs.20.0010.

Diabetic Foot and Soft Tissue Necrosis Caused by Moxibustion Burn Injury

• Han SH
• Jo DI
• Kim CK
• Kim SH

• KMID: 2508884
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.47955/jkbs.20.0010

Abstract

A 72-year-old man with diabetes, who underwent moxibustion, developed a foot wound but did not receive proper treatment. Examination showed a soft tissue defect (6×6 cm) on the dorsal aspect of the right foot with involvement of the first and second toes along with some phalangeal bone loss. The wound was treated with a skin graft and healed without complications. The right calf showed a raw surface (4×3 cm), which underwent epithelialization after conservative treatment. We observed four focal necrotic lesions (1.5×1.5 cm) on the right lower leg and anterior chest, which served as indicators of moxibustion, and debridement and primary closure were performed. Moxibustion is increasingly used as a therapeutic option; however, statistical data describing its adverse effects are limited. Moxibustion significantly increases skin temperature and can cause burn injuries. It is important to prevent moxibustion-induced adverse effects and avoid severe complications, particularly in patients with diabetes.

Keyword

Moxibustion; Burn; Diabetic foot