Title: Diabetic Ulcers on Foot and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
1Diabetic Ulcers on Foot and Treatment of Diabetic
Foot Ulcers
Do you know around 25 of diabetics face
amputations due to unhealed and untreated
wounds???? Bumps, blisters, scratches, and cuts
are usually a part of life. Slapping on a
Band-Aid or dabbing some antibiotic ointment does
the trick. But if you have diabetes, even the
simplest scratch or cut can quickly snowball into
an extremely serious situation. When a person is
suffering from diabetes, wounds take longer to
heal, which can increase the risk of infections
and other complications developing. A person who
handles their diabetes well can improve the rate
at which wounds heal and reduce the chances of
developing a severe infection sometimes leading
to amputations. Amputation is the removal of
a limb by trauma, medical illness, or surgery. It
is an extreme precaution taken when a wound does
not heal for a long time. Diabetes is one of the
major reasons that lead to slow healing. It often
leads to gangrene and amputations.
Also read Amputations- Causes and precautions.
2WHAT IS THE NEED FOR WOUND CARE??
Diabetes causes a type of nerve damage called
neuropathy in about 70 of patients. Researchers
believe that excess sugar in the bloodstream
causes swelling in the cells that cover nerve
endings. This presses the nerves, causing
perpetual damage. Any wound, cuts or blisters are
taken normally. They are cured by regular
medication. But in the case of diabetes, even a
small cut or scratch creates a severe situation.
One should not ignore it and should be treated
immediately. Slow healing can lead to infection
and in extreme case can lead to amputation. But
now there are certain steps that need to be
followed to avert the aggravating problem. When
to see your doctor???? When you not diabetic, but
ur cut or burn is taking a long time to heal or
showing signs of infection, then it is time to
consult a healthcare professional. A slow-healing
wound could signal an underlying medical
condition such as diabetes. Due to the risk of
amputation, it is necessary, if you have
diabetes, to consult your doctor if you have any
signs of damage to your feet. Wounds on the feet,
or any other part of your body, should always be
closely monitored. CAUSES OF SLOW HEALING
3Our body as a whole is completely capable of
repairing and rejuvenating. It was going to be a
lonely trip back eating any part that has been
injured. However, if you are diabetic, this
process takes a long time and sometimes even
leads to fatal scenarios like an amputation.
There are a number of factors can affect your
bodys ability to heal wounds. High blood
sugar levels It is the main factor that
determines how swiftly your wound will heal. When
your blood sugar level is higher than normal, it
prevents nutrients and oxygen from energizing
cells. It also increases inflammation in the
bodys cells. These slow down wound healing.
Peripheral neuropathy This also occurs from
having blood sugar levels that are consistently
higher than normal. Over time, damage occurs to
the nerves and vessels resulting in the affected
areas losing sensation. Poor
circulation. People with diabetes are prone to
develop the peripheral vascular disease. The
peripheral vascular disease makes your blood
vessels to narrow, which reduces blood flow to
the limbs. And a higher blood glucose level
increases the thickness of blood, affecting the
bodys blood flow.
4Immune system deficiency.
Many people who have diabetes also have
difficulties eating the immune system. The number
of immune warrior cells sent to heal wounds, and
their capacity to take effect, is often
decreased. When your immune system cant function
properly, wound healing is slower and your risk
of infection is higher. Infection When your
immune system isnt performing at its best, your
body will struggle to fight off bacteria that
induce infection. Higher blood sugar levels also
increase the possibility of infection due to the
bacteria that are growing on the extra
sugar. DOS FOR A DIABETIC WOUND CARE!!
DOS FOR DIABETIC WOUND CARE
TRIM YOUR TOENAILS
WASH REET DAILY WITH
DRY CAR
BETWEEN
OES flMr COTTON
VERY CAREFULLY
CHECK AT YOUR FEET DAILY
WEAR ONLY PROPER
TO SEE IF THERE ARE DISCOLORATIONS
FITTING SHOES
Make a point to check your feet regularly.
Check for any cuts, red spots, blisters, or
swelling. Especially if your feet or legs has a
loss of sensation due to diabetic neuropathy. It
is a fact that 80 percent of amputations onset
with a foot ulcer. So make it a daily routine to
check your feet.
5 Take a load off. If you have a wound on
your foot or leg, stay off your feet. Your doctor
may prescribe a contact cast to uniformly
redistribute pressure throughout the leg.
Otherwise, it would lead to slow wound healing.
In case of stubborn wounds take advice from
your doctor. Certain wounds are difficult to
heal. If the wound persists for longer than the
necessary period, then its time to consult a
doctor. Wash feet daily with a non-medicated
soap gentle enough for a babys skin. This
ensures your foot is clean and not prone to any
ulcers or infections. Dry carefully between
toes with cotton. If moisture accumulates in
those sensitive areas, it might lead to
infections and skin decay. Trim your
toenails very carefully straight across, avoid
cutting them too short or cutting into corners.
Always protect your feet either with shoes or
sandals or socks to prevent infection. Wear
dry footwear. Ensure your socks are clean, dry
and washed thoroughly to avoid any kind of
infections. Wear only proper fitting shoes.
Shoes that are too small might cause suffocation
to your feet and cause blood internal clots. Hile
larger shoes might make you uncomfortable and
cause you to fall down. Inspect your feet
every day for signs of infection such as redness,
blisters, or pus. You can do this while you put
on or take off your shoes and socks. If you cant
easily see all of your foot, use a mirror, or ask
a family member to check your feet for you.
Always Eat a healthy diet that contains enough
protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals, which
also includes vitamin C and zinc, which are a key
for would healing. Epsom Salt Therapy By
Consulting Doctor
DONTS FOR A DIABETIC WOUND CARE!!
6DONT FOR DIABETIC WOUND CARE
MEDICATION, DRUG, ANTISEPTIC OR PLASTER ON YOUR
FEET
DO NOT CUT ANY HARD SKIN, CORNS
Avert performing any type of bathroom
surgery. In case of a little deep wound, consult
an expert. There are various types of wounds. In
some wounds removal of dead tissue is done. Avoid
cutting off dead skin yourself. This prevents the
damaging a blood vessel and worsens the
problem. Do not cut corns or lumps by
yourself. Avoid using acid-based wart remover.
You can use a pumice stone to clean the area
gently. Put on the helping casts or helping
devices, even if you want to just go to another
room. Never forget to change your wound
dressings as it is crucial for wound care
healing. If dressing is not changed it affects
the moisture balance and delays healing.
Never ever Overlook other factors that can help
you heal faster. It is a challenge to deal with a
wound. But there are other ways that you can take
to speed the process. Take care of keeping your
blood sugars in the balanced range. A high blood
sugar level slows down the healing process.
Abstain from smoking as it can weaken your immune
system. Do not use any medication, drug,
antiseptic or plaster on your feet that have not
been prescribed. It might worsen the problem and
heighten the infection. Never walk around in
barefoot. Always cover your feet inside as well
as outside the house to avoid any possible wounds.
7Diabetic Emergency Kit
DIABETIC EMERGENCY KIT
N i
GLUCOSE
ALCOHOL SWABS
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SYRINGES
Diabetes as a disorder is a tricky business. A
little precaution in this scenario can take us a
long way. Most wounds related to diabetes can be
easily healed with proper first-aid. Slapping on
a Band-Aid or dabbing some ointment does the
trick. Adding an emergency kit bag will help you
deal with these unexpected wound situations. Here
is a list of common essentials for both diabetes
and diabetes wound care that should be a part of
your go-to bag.
Plastic container, ideally with a handle
Blood glucose meter, strips, and supplies
Alcohol swabs Syringes Insulin pen Pen
needles Two changes of insulin pump
supplies glucose tablets extra
batteries for your meter Dettol Cotton
calls
8 Band-aid. Pain-relief ointment
Anti-biotic ointment Bandages CONCLUSION Diab
etes Is A Thriving Common Lifestyle Disorder. It
Can Be Prevented And Maintained Easily With Few
Changes. Diabetic Wounds Affect 70 Of Diabetics.
The Slow Healing Due To The High Blood Sugar
Levels Makes It A Fatal Side Effect Of
Diabetes. However, The Good News Is, By Taking
Few Precautions And Necessary Care, All Kind Of
Complications Can Be Completely Avoided. These
small precautions will help you design and create
a brighter tomorrow.