How to Care for Diabetic Wounds

Diabetics are at an increased risk of complicated skin and foot wounds due to the association between diabetes and neuropathy, which is a reduced or complete lack of feeling in the extremities. The most common site of diabetic wounds is on the feet. Approximately 15 percent of diabetics develop foot ulcers, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, and diabetes is the most common cause of lower extremity amputation not caused by trauma in Americans. Treatment of diabetic wounds is prolonged and complicated and often requires hospitalization.

Things You'll Need

• Sterile medical dressings
• Topical triple antibiotic ointment

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Instructions

• 1

  Manage your diabetes by taking your medication and eating properly to keep your blood glucose levels under control and within your target range. The Mayo Clinic warns that diabetics are significantly more likely to develop serious complications from minor skin injuries than non-diabetics are.

• 2

  Keep your wound covered to prevent contamination and infection. Change your dressings frequently, and keep the affected area moist at all times. If your doctor prescribed topical medications, apply these each time you change your dressings.

• 3

  Prevent infection by keeping the wound clean. If your wound is already infected, treatment with antibiotics will be prescribed. Severe infections or those that fail to respond to antibiotic treatment at home may require treatment in a hospital setting.

• 4

  Wear special footgear, braces or castings or use a cane or wheelchair if the wound is on your foot. The American Podiatric Medical Association states that diabetic ulcers on the bottom of the feet are difficult to treat and staying off your foot as much as possible is essential to healing.

• 5

  Visit your doctor for debridement of your infected wound, a surgical procedure that involves removing dead skin and tissue. Typically, a sample of the removed tissue will be sent for testing to determine what bacteria or fungi are responsible for your infection.

• 6

  Use products specifically designed to treat skin and foot ulcers, such as growth factors and skin substitutes. These are very effective at decreasing the risk of infection and speeding healing, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

• 7

  Wear well-fitting shoes and socks every day and avoid tight-fitting footwear and high-heeled shoes. Never walk barefoot and avoid exposing your feet to extreme temperatures, such as hot sand or frozen soil.

• 8

  Inspect your feet daily for signs of ulcers and other wounds, infection, cracks, bruises or blisters. Check between each toe and on the bottom of both feet. Early identification and treatment are important in treating diabetic wounds. Even the smallest cut should be reported to your doctor, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

• 9

  Avoid using home remedies to treat your wound, unless approved by your doctor. The American Academy of Family Physicians warns against hot soaks and baths, heating pads and the use of hydrogen peroxide, astringents and iodine when caring for your wound. Gentle cleaning with soap and water and the application of topical antibiotics is proper home treatment for minor wounds without complications.

• 10

  Reduce your risk factors for complications and future wounds. Neuropathy, poor circulation, wearing inappropriate shoes, failure to control your blood sugar and the presence of foot deformities all increase your risk of serious wounds and infections. Smoking, drinking alcohol and high cholesterol levels also increase your risk.