A person who has diabetes often suffers from wounds that are slow to heal. Due to the high sugar levels in their body, the nutrients and oxygen do not energize the cells fast enough, making them sluggish when regenerating the affected part. This can turn into other complications, where patients may suffer from chronic and infected wounds. These conditions may impair their movement and lifestyle for a very, very long time.
With that said, utmost care should be given when treating diabetic wounds. Unlike your average scratch and bruises, they are a lot more sensitive and prone to infection, making them a critical occurrence for both the patient and their caregiver.
If you happen to have a loved one at home suffering from the same condition, chances are, you would like to learn about the long-term care for diabetic wounds. Fret not—we’ve listed down a couple of tips that may help you give them the appropriate care and treatment during the whole ordeal.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
People with diabetes know the risks of being afflicted with the condition. In that case, they often put on protective footwear to prevent any scratch or bruise.
They usually avoid shoes with pointed toes, flat soles, and high heels as it tends to deform or alter the positioning of their foot, making it more prone to injuries both inside and outside the skin. They also avoid doing any form of strenuous activities that pose the risk of scratches and bruises.
Immediate Treatment Is a Must
If scratches or bruises are unavoidable, then the first thing that you should do is clean the wound. Wash it with soap and water every day, dry it, and apply an antibiotic cream or ointment. Avoid using any pressure on it as that may slow down the process of healing.
It is also imperative that you monitor the wound for any further signs of swelling or bleeding to ensure it isn’t getting worse. The last thing you’d want to happen with it is to contract any form of infection. If that happens, you will have a bigger problem on your hands.
Healthy Diet Helps with the Healing Process
The patient should get a good amount of protein, as it helps with the regeneration of skin tissues. Fruits and vegetables are always a welcome addition to the diet. The patient can also include whole grains and beans in the equation, just taking care not to consume any high sugar foods that may worsen their condition.
Good Exercise Helps with the Body Circulations
Unlike strenuous exercises, simple stretching routines are good as they help with the body’s proper blood flow. Just make sure to avoid exercising with the wounded part of the body, as moving it around may further limit its ability to heal.
These aren’t just the things that you can do to care for a diabetic wound. If you would like to learn more about the different ways of managing it, be sure to consult a specialist or the patient’s primary doctor to learn about the other efficient ways of caring for it.
Conclusion
Long-term care for diabetic wounds is not easy but can be manageable with the right amount of knowledge and determination. Diabetic patients require more care than usual, and should an injury occur, the first thing that you should do is clean the wound, prevent applying any pressure to it, and monitor it from time to time.
Consult a doctor if you must, but so long as you are doing the right things to ensure that the wound doesn’t worsen, you are helping the patient be free from their debilitating condition.
If you are looking for a home care agency in Denver to tend to your loved one’s diabetic condition, Gateway Home Health Hospice is ready to help. We offer only the highest quality home-based patient care with the help of our highly trained clinicians and therapists. Contact us for more information about our services.