Tips to care of Diabetic Wounds

All wounds require specialised treatment  but sufferers of diabetes need to care for wounds in a far more informed and careful manner. If you are diabetic, your immune system becomes feeble and therefore, even a minor wound can become easily infected. Hence, it is important to follow tips to care for diabetic wounds with a lot of patience.

Facts about diabetic wounds

• Diabetic patients with narrowed arteries in the legs are easily susceptible to wounds. Complications increase as clogged arteries restrict blood flow to the wound. Blood aids in healing and any block in its flow will naturally delay the healing process.
• Diabetes can also lead to neuropathy or nerve damage. In this case, you may not feel the pain or cut till it has worsened. Diabetes and wounds can therefore turn into a very harmful combination. 85% of all amputations start by a foot ulcer. It is very important to diagnose and treat the ulcer to prevent amputation. The rate of amputation in diabetic people is 10 times higher than those who don’t suffer from diabetes.

Tips to care for Diabetic Wounds

• The wound should be attended immediately as bacteria can build up rapidly.
• The wound has to be cleaned under running water to remove dirt. Soaps or detergents should be avoided as they might irritate the wound. After cleaning,you must apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a sterile bandage. Wash the area around the wound with soap and watch-out for infections.
• You must consult your doctor to be on the safer side. It is far easier to treat a wound that is in its first stage.

Diabetic people generally develop blisters and calluses on the bottom of the foot. If this is the case, you have to keep the pressure off until the wound heals. You have to give your foot/feet ample time to heal.Tips to care for diabetic wounds on the foot include:

• Check your feet every single day in case you are diabetic. This has to be a part of your daily routine.
• Be wary of nail salons as some may be a cause for infection. The salon you visit should be certified. The tools used must be sterilised in front of you.
• Apply foot cream regularly to keep your feet from drying and cracking. Choose a good moisturiser. The aim is to prevent bacteria from infecting any cracked surfaces on the foot.
• You must dry your feet well. Moisture between the toes can lead to skin breakdowns.

There are many tips to care for diabetic wounds but they have to be followed diligently without fail. Any lapse can have serious repercussions. A doctor must be consulted at the earliest to avoid complications later.

Read more articles on Diabetes Treatment