Diabetes is a chronic disease entity which if not controlled adequately enough, can lead to many complications. It can affect the nerves, kidneys, eyes and other structures in the body. Apart from these complications, another important aspect would be the delayed wound healing and proneness towards ulcerations in the foot and the legs. Thus, it is not so uncommon to see a patient with diabetes develop ulceration in the foot and suffer from it for a prolong period and sometimes going to the extent which requires amputation as well.
Therefore, the best thing for a diabetic patient is to prevent such infections from taking place and it would be much easier to undertake such activity rather than waiting till the damage is being done. But, if the diabetic wound has already appeared, there are several things which need to be done in order to make the ulcer heal better.
Let us see some of these aspects of managing a diabetic wound.
* The blood sugar levels need to be meticulously controlled in order to promote the faster healing and avoid further complications.
* Keep the wound as well as the area surrounding the wound clean and hygienic by washing with soap and water.
* Do not rub vigorously over the wound as this may lead to disruption of the newly formed granulation tissue surface.
* Take a daily bath in order to avoid infections from seeping in.
* Remove any devitalized, damaged or unhealthy tissues from the wound as this may be interrupting the healing process as well as will promote the area as an infective focus.
* Maintain adequate blood supply to the area through exercises and other techniques.
* Keep the leg in which the wound is present, elevated above the levels of the heart and allow the gravitational forces to take back the blood towards the heart and lungs.
* Do daily dressing changes of the wound and apply recommended antibiotic solution or antiseptic solutions in order to prevent infections from setting in.
* Be on the lookout for early signs of infections such as redness, swelling, discharge, foul smell…etc. If present, the treatment should be vigorous in eliminating such infections as early as possible.
* Eat a balanced and healthy diet which should be a diabetic diet. The diet should contain adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals apart from its protein content.
* Quit smoking and other such practices in order to avoid free radical buildup which will further damage the tissues and thus prolong the healing process of the wound.
* Do not let the wound get exposed to contaminated water, dust, insects or else to any other insults as these wounds are much more susceptible to such influences than in anyone else.
With these measures, backed up by other medical and surgical treatments such as antibiotics, skin grafting…etc, a diabetic wound can be managed well to heal better and much quicker.
