Diabetic Foot Ulcers Dressing Guidelines

With a simple band aid

This is not always recommended as most foot ulcers are bigger than what a band aid can cover. But if you want to reduce cost by not buying a larger medical gauze or bandage for a minor foot ulcer, a band aid will do. Note that the use of band aid is only temporary, as it is not guaranteed that the foot ulcer will remain small. Here are the steps to dress the diabetic foot ulcer with a band aid:

1. Clean the wound – This means doing whatever is necessary to remove the bacteria that could living around the wound. Don’t dress the wound without cleaning it as this would seal the bacteria inside. The best way to clean a diabetic foot ulcer would be to wash it with running water, then gently clean with an antibacterial soap (do not use acidic ones). Another way to clean it would be to submerge your foot in hot water. This would ensure that the group of bacteria drowns in a temperature lethal to them.
2. Apply antibacterials or antiseptics – It is a good idea to apply antibacterial creams and ointments on the wound. They will kill the germs and stop them from reproducing and infecting the wound. Antiseptics may also be used, but they are often overlooked due to their unpleasant sting, especially alcohol. The best antiseptic to use would be iodine because of its long-lasting effect.
3. Band aid application – Gently cover the diabetic foot ulcer with a band aid. Remember that band aids can only be used if the ulcers are small, enough for a band aid to cover.
4. Change, Clean, and Repeat – For any type of wound, the dressing must be changed regularly. Dressings like band aids can be infested with germs. Even with an antiseptic or an antibacterial cream on, it’s always best to change the dressings so the treatment remains fresh.

With a medical gauze

Using a medical gauze is one of the most popular ways to dress a wound, and this also applies to diabetic foot ulcers. In fact, this is claimed to be the best way for wound treatment as they are sizable and easy to change. Here are the steps to dress a wound with a medical gauze:

1. Clean the wound – As explained, do whatever is necessary to remove any bacteria living around the wound that might cause it to be infected.
2. Apply treatments – Make sure it is applied gently. Do not use your fingers. A cotton swab is recommended. Avoid using loose cotton balls as these may leave lints on the wound.

3. Applying the gauze – Medical gauze usually come in rolls. Unroll three square sheets of the gauze and fold them on top of each other. Each sheets must be two inches bigger than the diabetic foot ulcer in perimeter for allowance. Apply the folded medical gauze on top of the sore and seal it with a medical tape.
4. Keep the dressed sore safe – Avoid moving around as excessive motion might cause the medical tape to loosen, making the medical gauze fall off. Avoid dusty areas as bacteria in the air are capable of slipping through the tiny holes of the gauze.
5. Change the dressing regularly – Dressings must be changed every 3 or 4 hours. Observe the wound every time you take off the dressing, and clean every time before you dress it again.

With A Bandage

A bandage is used to wrap a wound or a bone injury. But they are often overlooked when treating diabetic foot ulcers because they are more complicated to apply. Bandages are more safe, however, as they are sure to stay on the wound and keep it safe for a longer period. Here are steps to apply a bandage on a diabetic foot ulcer.

1. Clean the wound – As always, keep the wound free from bacteria before dressing.
2. Apply treatments – Other antibacterial treatments that can be found at home include honey, vinegar, and sugar. These are applied directly into the sore.
3. Wrap the wound – A bandage is a good idea especially if there are more than two sores on the foot. Wrap the foot with the bandage until the wound covered in three of four layers of fabric. You may either use a medical tape or tie the dressing to seal it.
4. Change Regularly – It is a hassle to remove a bandage, but do not let this be an excuse to delay in changing it. When removing the bandage, make sure the fabric isn’t sticking on the wound. If it is, simply drip a few drops of water over last layer of bandage covering the wound. If it does not come off, then it is best to consult with a medical practitioner, like a nurse or a doctor.