Foot and leg ulcers are a common concern among those suffering from advanced diabetes. Because of the way diabetes reduces sensation and circulation in the feet, sores can go unnoticed and can be a constant threat to overall health. Since untreated ulcers can lead to blood poisoning and perhaps amputation, it is important to properly treat foot ulcers caused by the effects of diabetes.
Instructions
1. Wash your feet in warm water and mild soap. Since the foot comes in contact with all kinds of dangerous bacteria on a daily basis, it is imperative that you keep the area as clean as possible.
2. Consult your doctor about the kind of foot ulcer that may be developing. Neurotrophic ulcers are extremely common in diabetes patients, but arterial and venous ulcers are also possible. Each kind may require different or even aggressive techniques to treat the ulcer if the wound becomes infected.
3. Take antibiotic pills prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and take all of the pills even if the ulcer heals before you complete the regimen.
4. Consider an anti-platelet or anti-clotting medication. Your doctor will most likely wish to prescribe you one of these medications to avoid blood clotting in your foot and leg.
5. Apply compression by wearing compression garments or bandages. Compression stockings, wraps or ACE bandages will all help put pressure on the foot and massage the area, which promotes good circulation. Good circulation will help bring nutrients to the area and waste products away, helping it to heal properly.
6. Dress the foot ulcer according to your doctor's instructions. These methods may include antimicrobial, composite, wet-to-wet, synthetic skin, hydrogel, hydrocolloid or allginate wrappings and may also include the application of debriding agents. Whatever is involved, the dressing should always be kept clean and properly applied.
7. Wear any prosthetics to help you maintain normal function since inactivity can make a foot ulcer worse.
8. Apply antibiotic creams, aloe vera, tea tree oil or any other topical treatment recommended by your doctor to treat the ulcer. Keep an eye on the area the first few times you apply the treatment to make sure it is not irritating the skin.
9. Monitor the area for signs of infection. White, yellow, green or black areas are definitely cause for alarm and should be treated by your doctor immediately.
10. Consider wearing special orthopedic shoes to help relieve the pressure off the extremely vulnerable places on your feet.
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