In most cases, when we get minor cuts or scrapes, we stick a plaster on the affected area, and don’t dwell on it much knowing that it will heal by itself. Small cuts pose no threat as we can rely on the normal functioning of our body to take over and begin the wound healing process. The wound heals within a few days with minimal intervention and does not cause any lasting harm. However, this is not the case when it comes to diabetic patients. Diabetics are more vulnerable to wounds and ulcers in comparison to healthy people, especially when it comes to wounds or ulcers on the foot. Diabetes is a chronic disease that interrupts the body’s natural healing process. This means that even small wounds can get overrun with infection and turn into larger problems.
How wound healing works in diabetics
Our skin acts as a barrier between outside germs and bacteria. When an abrasion forms on the skin, the barrier is broken and the wound is left exposed. If harmful bacteria enters the wound at this stage, it has the potential to cause an infection and further complications. In healthy bodies, white blood cells rush to the wound site to destroy bacteria and protect the body from infection. Only after this stage does the tissue regrowth stage begin and the wound gets patched up.
In diabetics, the body is unable to produce or use a hormone called insulin. Because of this, the blood sugar level increases which has adverse effects on wound healing. When blood sugar levels rise, they impair the functioning of white blood cells (WBCs). WBCs are imperative for the functioning of the immune system, and without them the body is unable to fight off infection efficiently.
If diabetes is not kept under control, it affects blood circulation as well. Slower blood circulation hampers the healing process of the wound as the nutrient supply to the wound site slows down. Oxygenation of the wound site is also vital in the healing process, and slower blood circulation means slower oxygenation. Another risk factor is that diabetes can cause neuropathy (nerve damage) which is the numbing of sensation in parts of the body. Due to this, the diabetic patient might not realize that they have sustained an injury as they will not feel it.
Common diabetic wounds:
Wounds on the feet pose the biggest risk when it comes to diabetic wounds. This is because neuropathy affects the feet first and it’s highly possible that the patient does not notice a wound forming due to the loss of feeling.
General tips to follow if you are a diabetic:
Factoring in the increased risk of infection, diabetic patients need to be very careful while caring for their wounds. As they say, prevention is better than cure. Remember to:
- Always wear comfortable footwear
- Do not pick or itch at scabs or dry skin
- Make sure to moisturize so that your skin stays strong and doesn’t flake
- Be careful not to snip your skin when you’re trimming your toenails
- Wash and inspect your feet daily
- Stay on top of your blood sugar levels and ensure optimum diabetic care
A wound care checklist for diabetics:
Wounds are inevitable but we should do all we can to prevent them when possible. If you have sustained a cut in any part of your body, follow the appropriate wound care procedure immediately. Here are the steps to follow to properly clean and care for a diabetic wound:
- Clean the wound with saline solution or warm water to clear out skin debris and dirt
- Apply an antibiotic ointment for faster healing time
- Wrap a clean gauze pad around the wound or use a plaster
- Follow your diabetes treatment regime strictly and keep a check on your blood sugar levels to ensure there’s no alarming rise
- Don’t put unnecessary pressure on the wound
Keeping all of these factors in mind can help you to correctly treat your diabetic wounds and ulcers and stay free from infection. Read More Here: How To Treat a Foot Corn Effectively
