Four Guidelines For Diabetic Wound Care
Thanks to modern medicine, diabetes is no longer a death sentence. But it is still a serious disease that you will need to manage if you want to avoid more serious illness. One of the ways in which diabetes affects your body is through pool healing. If you do not care for your wounds properly, you may end up with more serious infections or even gangrene. As a diabetic, here are four guidelines you need to follow for wound care.
1. Never cut into tissue yourself.
If you suffer from a blister, an ingrown nail, or any other type of wound, never cut into the tissue or start to do any sort of self-surgery using nail clippers or a knife. Doing so can introduce dangerous bacteria into your wounds and make matters a lot worse. Seek treatment from a podiatrist if you need ingrown nails trimmed, and let blisters pop on their own. Leave all calluses alone, or if you want to have them addressed, have a podiatrist do so.
2. Elevate the limb.
If the injury occurs on the lower leg, make sure you elevate your leg for a few hours a day. This will encourage the extra fluid in the tissue to drain back into your circulatory system. With less inflammation and better circulation, your wounds will have an easier time healing -- and you won't have to worry as much about tissue dying due to a lack of circulation and oxygen.
3. Change your bandages often.
If you have a wound that requires bandaging, always remember to change your bandage every day. Not only does this keep your wound clean to encourage better healing, but it gives you a chance to examine the wound. If you see any evidence of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, contact your doctor immediately. An infection can spread quickly when you're a diabetic.
4. Take measures to promote healing.
There are a few lifestyle choices you can make that will encourage your wounds to heal faster. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies, as these contain vitamins and minerals that your body needs to repair itself. Also, get plenty of sleep, and avoid smoking -- it can weaken your immune system even further.
To learn more about diabetic wound services, talk to your doctor. They can give you helpful hints for the specific types of wounds you are dealing with.
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