Accelerating Wound Healing in Diabetes: Ointment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

When you have diabetes, you may experience slower wound healing and an increased risk of infections. It's essential to recognize the signs and take action to promote healing. But what if there was a game-changing solution that could enhance the healing process? 

What Is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the feet of individuals with diabetes. These ulcers often occur as a result of poor circulation, neuropathy (loss of sensation), and increased pressure on the feet. The combination of these factors can lead to the breakdown of skin, creating an open wound that can potentially become infected if left untreated. 

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common and serious complication of diabetes, making prompt recognition and proper care essential in preventing severe consequences such as amputations.

Who Can Get a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

Diabetic foot ulcers can affect a variety of individuals, but they are more common in certain populations. Black, Native American, and Hispanic people have a higher prevalence of foot and toe ulcers than other ethnicities. Additionally, individuals diagnosed with eye, kidney, or heart disease related to diabetes are also at a higher risk.

About 15% of people with diabetes will develop an ulcer, typically on the bottom of their foot. These ulcers are a common complication of diabetes when it is not effectively managed through methods such as diet, exercise, and insulin treatment.

It is essential to note that having diabetes does not automatically mean a person will develop a foot ulcer. Understanding the root causes and employing proper foot care techniques play a significant role in preventing, detecting, and treating these wounds before they worsen. Wearing well-fitting shoes is a crucial preventative measure.

How Do Diabetic Foot Ulcers Form?

A major cause of diabetic foot ulcers is peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which the nerves in the feet become damaged due to high blood sugar levels. This damage leads to a loss of sensation, making it difficult for individuals to feel pain, heat, or cold in their feet. As a result, even small injuries can go unnoticed and develop into ulcers.

Poor circulation is another contributing factor in the formation of foot ulcers. Individuals with diabetes are more prone to poor blood flow due to damaged blood vessels and increased pressure on their feet. This weakened circulation decreases the body's ability to heal wounds and increases the risk of infection.

Warning signs：

1. Numbness or tingling in the feet

2. Swelling or redness in the affected area

3. Foul-smelling discharge from a wound

4. Black or discolored areas of skin

If any of these symptoms are present, it's crucial for individuals to seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of further complications, such as infection and amputation.

Why Does Diabetes Cause Slow-Healing Wounds?

Diabetes can lead to slow-healing wounds due to a combination of factors, including high blood glucose levels, poor circulation, diabetic neuropathy, and a weakened immune system. These factors contribute to a complex picture that makes it difficult for the body to heal wounds efficiently while managing diabetes. 

High Blood Glucose from Diabetes

Persistently high blood glucose levels can cause damage to various body tissues. One of the consequences is the impairment of normal wound-healing mechanisms. High blood sugar can thicken the blood, delaying the delivery of white blood cells to the wound site and the subsequent immune response. Additionally, elevated glucose levels can strengthen bacteria, making it difficult for the body's weakened immune system to fight off infections.

Poor Circulation from Diabetes

People with diabetes often experiences poor circulation as a result of blood vessel damage. Reduced blood flow to the extremities, such as the feet and legs, can make it more difficult for essential nutrients and oxygen to reach wound sites, which are necessary for proper healing. This can lead to slow-healing wounds, particularly in the lower limbs.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that occurs due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. This damage can lead to a loss of sensation in the affected areas, making it difficult for individuals with diabetes to feel pain or discomfort from injuries. As a result, wounds may go unnoticed for extended periods, increasing the chances of infection and further complicating the healing process.

Weakened Immune System from Diabetes

Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making it less effective at fighting infections. A weakened immune system cannot efficiently deal with invading bacteria, which can lead to prolonged healing and an increased risk of developing complications. Additionally, the altered immune response may lead to an increased risk of infection at the wound site, worsening the healing process.

How Should a Diabetic Foot Ulcer Be Treated?

Diabetic foot ulcers require timely and appropriate care to prevent complications and promote healing.

Keep the ulcer clean and infection-free:

Patients should gently clean the wound with mild soap and water, then apply appropriate dressings to keep the area covered and moist. Dressings should be changed regularly to maintain a refreshing environment for wound healing.

Consider advanced wound care products:

For optimum healing, doctors may recommend advanced wound care products that contain medically tested ingredients. These products can provide an additional boost in promoting more efficient skin care and wound recovery. 

Our  Dermlin Wound Healing line features tested ingredients that effectively promote skin care and healing. For instance, our Dermlin Wound Healing Paste, composed of biologically safe and stable inorganic elements like silicon and calcium, effectively stops bleeding and absorbs wound exudate. It is specifically designed for dry or chronic wounds with minimal exudate.

Offloading to relieve pressure:

Another essential part of treating diabetic foot ulcers is offloading, which means relieving pressure on the ulcerated area. This can be achieved by using orthotic devices such as specialized shoes, casts, or cushions. Offloading helps redistribute pressure and reduces the risk of further injury.

Manage blood sugar levels:

It is also crucial to manage blood sugar levels throughout the treatment process. Proper diabetes management ensures faster wound healing and lowers the chances of infection. Patients should closely follow their prescribed diet, exercise regimen, and medication plan.

Regular monitoring and check-ups:

Lastly, monitoring the progress of a diabetic foot ulcer is vital. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals will help ensure that the wound is healing properly and any signs of infection are identified and treated promptly.

Following these guidelines, patients can effectively treat diabetic foot ulcers and reduce their risk of developing more severe complications. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which antibiotic creams are recommended for diabetic foot ulcers?

Antibiotic creams are often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for infected diabetic foot ulcers. Depending on the type of infection and the patient's medical history, doctors may recommend creams containing bacitracin, mupirocin, or other prescription-strength antibiotics.

What types of dressings work best for diabetic foot ulcers?

The ideal dressing for a diabetic foot ulcer depends on the size, location, and level of exudate (fluid) from the wound. Some popular dressing options include

1. Alginate dressings: Highly absorbent and suitable for wounds with moderate to high exudate levels. However, it does not possess a specific pro-healing effect.

2. Hydrocolloid dressings: Good for moist wound environments, promoting autolytic debridement. Similar to alginate dressings, they do not have a direct pro-healing effect.

3. Foam dressings: Provide cushioning and absorbency, which can be especially helpful for ulcers on the heel or ball of the foot. No pro-healing effect was observed.

4. Sucrose octa sulfate dressings: Particularly indicated for hard-to-heal neuro ischemic ulcers.No hemostatic, ooze-absorbing effect, need to mix multiple dressings.

5. Dermlin Wound Healing Dressing: Effectively stops bleeding, absorbs exudate, induces epithelial regeneration, accelerates wound healing, and reduces the risk of amputation in severe cases.

How to speed up the healing process of diabetic wounds?

To accelerate the healing of diabetic foot ulcers, it is essential to follow a comprehensive treatment plan that includes proper wound care, managing blood glucose levels, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Some tips for speeding up the healing process include:

1. Maintaining a clean and moist wound environment

2. Changing dressings regularly as directed by a health care professional

3. Avoiding pressure on the affected area by using proper footwear or offloading devices

4. Eating a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support tissue repair

5. Seeking treatment for underlying issues, such as poor circulation or infection