What You Should Know About Diabetic Wounds |Faulkner's Drug Store

Did you know that diabetes increases your risk of infection, even in minor cuts and scrapes? Faulkner’s Drug Store offers a comprehensive selection of wound care supplies and would like to empower diabetic patients to better prevent and treat their wounds to minimize infection and further complications.

Why does diabetes increase your risk of infection when you have a small cut?
Many people with diabetes have a weakened immune system, which puts them at a consistently higher risk of infection than those without diabetes. Also, many diabetics experience neuropathy or nerve damage. The neuropathy usually leads to reduced feeling in the feet, which means a person might not feel it if they get a cut or blister. That puts them at a heightened risk for infection because they don’t know it’s there, so they don’t treat the sore.

What should a diabetic do to protect their feet?
Everyone with diabetes should inspect their feet regularly for wounds. That includes cuts, scrapes, blisters, calluses, and any other break in the skin.

Those who are unable to lift their feet and complete the exam on the bottom of their feet themselves should have a family member, friend or caregiver someone do it for them. Or, they could try using a mirror to complete a self-exam of the bottom of their feet.

How should you treat diabetic wounds?
Anytime a diabetic gets a cut, it’s imperative to treat it immediately before it can become an infection. First cleanse the wound with soap and water everyday. Gently dry the affected area after cleansing, and apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound. Avoid placing pressure upon the wound, or it will slow the healing process.

Experts advise diabetics to closely monitor the wound and see a doctor if it hasn’t improved at all within 48 hours to prevent the problem from progressing. Typical skin injuries will heal within about two weeks, but the healing time may increase to three for diabetics.

If the wound begins to cause pain, becomes red, feels warm, or starts to drain, see a doctor as those are signs of infection.

Remember, Faulkner’s Drug Store carries a full array of wound care and diabetic supplies to help you manage your condition and foster better health and wellness. Stop by the drug store today and like us on Facebook to learn more.