How to Nurse and Diagnose a Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Diabetes can cause damage to other parts of the body because the disease can affect the nerves of the body as well as blood circulation. Due to these characteristics, foot ulcers can occur. When you have a diabetic foot ulcer, the skin breaks down and can be prone to infection. It is important to speak to your doctor about how to diagnose and nurse a diabetic foot ulcer.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's orders
• Prescription medications
• Wound dressings

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Instructions

• 1

  Look for the symptoms of a diabetic foot ulcer. If you have diabetes, you must take care of your feet since you are more prone to developing ulcers that can become infected. Contact your physician if you feel any tingling or pain in the feet. Also, check for calluses or cracks on the surface of the skin.

• 2

  Allow the doctor to examine your foot. He can typically diagnose the diabetic foot ulcer through visual inspection and by reviewing your medical history to see if you have the disorder. A diabetic foot ulcer is usually found on the pressure points of the foot and will have a red or black appearance.

• 3

  Take any medications recommended by your doctor to prevent potential complications to your diabetic foot ulcer. These may include antibiotics and anti-clotting medications.

• 4

  Clean your foot and apply dressings as directed by your doctor. Wound dressings keep the foot compressed and the area clean.

• 5

  Keep pressure off the foot. As a way to nurse a diabetic foot ulcer, a doctor may order that you limit use of the affected foot.

• 6

  Arrange to have the infected area of the foot surgically removed. If the ulcer becomes infected, the infected skin may be removed to prevent the infection from spreading.