DIABETIC WOUND CARE
WHAT IS A DIABETIC ULCER?
- An open sore or wound that usually occurs on the bottom of the foot in 15% of all diabetic patients
- Of those who develop an ulceration, 6% will be hospitalized due to infection or complications
- Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States
- Research has shown that the development of a foot ulcer is preventable
RISK FACTORS TO DEVELOPING A FOOT OR LEG ULCER:
- Diabetes
- Neuropathy (lack of feeling in the feet)
- Vascular Disease
- Poor shoe wear or walking bare foot
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Trauma
- Foot deformity
TREATMENT OF DIABETIC FOOT AND LEG ULCERS:
- Seek medical treatment immediately
- Take pressure off of the area
- Manage blood glucose
- Keep ulcer clean, dry , and bandaged
- Do not walk barefoot
- See your podiatric doctor weekly for debridements and appropriate wound care
- Antibiotics if wound becomes infected
- You may need vascular studies or be referred to a Vascular Doctor if your blood flow is poor
HOW CAN AN ULCER BE PREVENTED?
- Stop drinking and/or smoking
- Keep good control of blood sugar
- Wear appropriate shoes and socks
- Never walk barefoot
- Perform daily foot checks
- Have a foot check by your podiatrist or medical doctor at least every 6 months
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is one of several modalities available for wound care. Dr. Richards may refer patients to the Carlisle Wound Center for Hyberbaric treatment if medically indicated.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen involves placing the patient in a specially-designed chamber that administers a 100 percent oxygen-rich environment under slight pressure.
- Oxygen reaches the wound through the bloodstream, resulting in improved healing, greater blood vessel formation, and reduced likelihood of infection.
- This treatment provides a non-invasive procedure for patients with difficult wounds, crush injuries, acute burns, or diabetes-related ulcers.
Link: http://www.carlislermc.com/Services/Wound-Healing-Center/Hyperbaric-Oxygen-Therapy/Default.aspx
Above information obtained from Carlisle Regional Wound Care Center
APLIGRAF
- Apligraf, a bilayered skin substitute that has brought relief to thousands of patients suffering from venous leg ulcers and other types of hard-to-heal wounds.
- Apligraf is used on healthy diabetic or venous stasis ulcerations. It is a safe, non-surgical alternative to fast and pain free wound healing.
- Apligraf is utilized by Dr. Karli Richards at the Chambersburg Wound Care Center.
Link: http://www.apligraf.com/
WOUND VAC THERAPY
- Vacuum-Controlled Assisted Closure (VAC) Therapy is a system that uses controlled negative pressure (vacuum) to help promote wound healing.
- Clinical studies demonstrate that the VAC Therapy System also removes infectious materials and other fluids from the wound.
- The VAC Therapy System employs a computer-controlled therapy unit to maintain a constant negative pressure on the wound site.
- The wound VAC is utilized by Dr. Karli Richards at the Chambersburg Wound Care Center.
