Diabetic wound healing is very important in treating the disease. If you are diabetic and you find a wound, you should not ignore it, no matter how insignificant they seem. This is because the in diabetes there is a number of complications which slows the healing process. This not leaves the wound open longer and more likely to get infected, but the body also then has trouble fighting off the infection. Treating wounds affectively will help you avoid infection and speed up the healing process.
The following are steps that you should take in order to avoid infections and promote diabetic wound healing:
- Immediately take care of all wounds, no matter how small. Even a minor wound can start a severe infection if bacteria are allowed to build up in your system. So, whether it is a blister or a paper cut treat the wound in a proper manner.
- Clean the wound by rinsing it under running water. Then apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection, and cover with a sterile bandage. Be sure to change the bandage daily and keep the skin clean around the wound. When you change the bandage, check for any sign of infection.
- You should see your doctor about any skin problems that you are having, even if it seems silly. Any doctor will tell you that they would much rather treat a minor skin problem than a more serious infection.
- Keep pressure off of the wound, especially if it is on your foot. This will allow the wound to heal faster.
Wound Healing in Diabetic Patients
Physicians are going to find ways to help you heal as fast as possible, particularly if you are under in-patient care. Wound healing requires adequate amounts of nutrients and rest. Vitamins and minerals that may speed up the healing process in diabetic wound healing include protein, iron, vitamin C, and zinc. According to Dermnetz.org, diabetic wound healing products that may aid in the treatment are:
- Growth factors and cytokines
- Hyperbaric oxygen
- Skin graft substitutes
- Connective tissue matrix
- Expanded epidermis
- Epidermal stem cells
- V.A.C. (vacuum assisted closure) device
- Maggot debridement therapy
One article which is posted on Wounds International’s website tells of a new gel product which helps diabetic foot ulcers heal three to five times faster. The study, which was sponsored by Derma Sciences, showed that 73% of the patients with diabetic foot ulcers experienced 100% recovery without drainage at 24 weeks. This gel, currently being called DSC127, is said to have the potential for being an important therapy in treating diabetic wounds.
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