Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetic Wounds
If you have diabetes, you may already know how it can compromise your ability to heal. Healing may be slowed down, or absent, resulting in a small blister or cut turning into a large, open, diabetic wound. Your podiatrist can help. Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel at Emerald Coast Podiatry provides comprehensive podiatry services, including diabetic wound care. They has two convenient locations in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, FL, to help you and your feet.
You may have a few questions about diabetic wounds and how to properly care for them. These are a few frequently asked questions and answers about diabetic wound care:
How Can Diabetes Cause a Wound?
Diabetes affects your immune, circulatory, and nervous systems. Diabetes also can dry out your skin. That means if you have a small cut or blister, it may not heal properly.
What Does a Wound Need To Heal Properly?
For an injury to heal, it needs good blood circulation and a robust immune system to prevent infection. Both are impacted when you have diabetes.
What Do I Need To Do to Care for a Diabetic Wound?
To help a wound heal, you need to:
- Gently clean the injured area to remove dirt, damaged skin, and debris
- Apply topical antibacterial or antibiotic gel or cream to the area
- Bandage the wound with sterile gauze or bandages
- Rest the damaged area and give it time to heal
How Can My Podiatrist Help With Wound Care?
Our podiatrist may recommend these steps, depending on the severity of the diabetic wound:
- Taking oral or applying topical antibiotics to eliminate infection
- Applying topical medications to reduce wound pain
- Applying bandaging to protect the wound
- Using assistive devices including walking casts or boots to help you stay mobile
- Surgical treatment to help close the wound
- Physical therapy to help you maintain strength and mobility
Want To Know More?
To find out more about diabetic wounds and how your podiatrist can help, call Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel at Emerald Coast Podiatry. Call (850) 862-4119 to reach our Fort Walton Beach offices and (850) 682-6522 for our Crestview office.