When it comes to patients with diabetes, a small wound or cut that would heal quickly for a healthy individual could spell complications and trouble for them. This is because side effects such as peripheral arterial disease and diabetic neuropathy could cause a blockage in the arteries to the nerves. As a result, they could significantly stunt and slow down the healing process.
Diabetic neuropathy can reduce the protective response and detection of the body to pain, which could cause the patient to be unaware of injuries. While small wounds such as a cut, scrape, ulcer or blister might seem insignificant, you must talk to a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you live with diabetes. Read on to learn more about diabetes wound care.
Why You Should Not Leave Diabetic Wounds Untreated
The skin acts as a protective layer to our body. When you get a wound from an accident, this presents an opportunity for bacteria to penetrate the opening and cause an infection. In diabetic patients, due to their diabetic neuropathy, the wound would take a much longer time if they are untreated as the lack of blow flow can potentially affect the surrounding tissue and bone underneath it. In the worst-case scenario, an amputation would be imminent.
Ideally, prevention is better than cure, but there are treatments available to help a patient heal their wounds, such as intravenous therapy with antibiotics, wound dressing and casting, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and surgery to remove the impacted bone.
How Should Diabetic Wounds Be Treated?
Let’s admit it: wounds are not entirely preventable, and you are bound to sustain them even though you have taken due precautions. However, there are steps you can take to treat them properly.
- Clean and disinfect the area with water and gentle soap
- Dry the area with a clean towel and apply an antiseptic ointment to the wound
- Wrap and cover the wound with a bandage
Avoid getting the area wet in the shower and limit your activity as much as possible until you have visited your healthcare provider. At a wound clinic, the doctor will most likely use imaging to observe any infected or dead tissue, test for blood flow, and prescribe you antibiotics. You will also receive proper instructions on dressing the wound to optimize healing.
Preventatives Measures to Take in Diabetic Wound Care
You could take steps in preventative diabetic wound care to limit injuring yourself as much as possible. These mainly include regular diabetes management and foot and nail inspection. To avoid as many complications as possible, managing your diabetes should be your top priority as it is crucial to retain and maintain your blood sugar. As such, be sure to have a well-balanced lifestyle with regular exercise, a good and beneficial diet, and take your medication regularly.
As the foot is often the most susceptible to injuries and wounds, there are some precautions you can take to limit the damage. These include not walking barefoot, wearing the right type of socks and shoes to protect against blisters, scrapes, and cuts, regularly cutting nails to prevent them from ingrowing, and keeping your feet moisturized. In addition, make it a point to inspect your foot daily and check for any new wounds, cuts, scrapes, and blisters. Contact and consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you spot any.
The Best Years of Your Life
At the Lakeside At Mallard Landing, we are dedicated to helping your loved ones explore and achieve their fullest potential and enjoy the best years of their lives. Our community offers a range of living options, from independent living to assisted living to memory care to respite. Our team members are experienced in managing pre-existing health conditions. We strive to do our best to help your loved ones retain their sense of freedom and dignity as much as possible with as few inhibitions as possible.
To learn more about the living options and programs we have available at the Lakeside At Mallard Landing, please feel free to contact us and arrange a tour with us!
