Diabetes is a deadly and life-threatening disease that can bring about unbearable pain and discomforts that are enough to affect the way we live. This includes loss of energy, increased hunger with no appetite, lack of interest and focus, loss of vision, and loss of efficiency for the body to heal wounds. One of the major effects of diabetes is the painful and grotesque wounds that form under your heels. This is called “Diabetic foot ulcers” and they are serious symptoms of diabetes that can lead to even more complications.

Diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound that occurs under or at the side of your foot and toes. These are painful and can sometimes leak out blood and pus. Diabetic ulcers are formed as a result of changes in the bony shapes of the foot. Other causes are peripheral neuropathy and diseases in the artery. Diabetic foot ulcers can also be caused by wearing tight footwear, rigorous exercises, and getting wounded in the foot.

More than 90% of diabetic patients experience diabetic foot ulcers, and 15% of these patients have been hospitalized due to inflammation and infection. While it is hard to heal diabetic foot ulcers, it is best not to leave them alone for flies and germs to gather around to prevent worsening the condition.

Here are ways you can treat your diabetic foot ulcers:

Keep it dressed and safe

One way to treat the wound is to protect it. A simple band-aid won’t do. A medical gauze is recommended to cover the wound and keep it safe from bacteria that may infect it. Avoid using a simple clean white cloth unless there is no other choice, as these get dirty too easily. If you must use a cloth to dress your wound, make sure it is changed and maintained regularly.

Honey

Diabetic foot ulcer is simply a wound or a sore that is almost impossible to heal due to diabetes. One way to treat it and prevent further complications is to apply honey on the wound. Think of honey as an alternative

Diabetic foot ulcer is simply a wound or a sore that is almost impossible to heal due to diabetes. One way to treat it and prevent further complications is to apply honey on the wound. Think of honey as an alternative to alcohol, as it cleanses the wound from any bacteria and germs. There is a special kind of honey used for wound treatment called Medihoney, a honey that is harvested by bees from the flowers of the Manuka tree.

Special Ointments

There are ointments that are specifically made for diabetic foot ulcers. But before using them, it is best to contact the doctor for the proper brand. Simple wound ointments may also suffice, but the effects won’t be as enhanced.

There are ointments that are specifically made for diabetic foot ulcers. But before using them, it is best to contact the doctor for the proper brand. Simple wound ointments may also suffice, but the effects won’t be as enhanced.

Vinegar

This is also a natural wound cleanser just like honey. Apply it on the wound directly, and seal it with a medical gauze. If there’s a wound you can’t cure, the best thing you can do is to keep it clean.

Stay Put

Sit down and rest with your feet elevated, making sure it doesn’t touch the floor. The point here is to keep your feet safe from the bacteria and germs on the ground that could be dangerous for your sore. Even when dressed, bacteria can still slip into the tiny holes in the medical gauze and reproduce.

Wash Your Foot with Hot Water

Make sure that the water is at a bearable temperature, otherwise, you’ll risk scalding the skin, and that’s one more thing to worry about. As bacteria are not capable of surviving in very warm temperatures, washing your foot in hot water will surely cleanse them. Not only that, but the heat can also loosen the veins in your foot, regulating blood circulation.

Be careful when you sleep

Even when the wound is dressed with a medical gauze, it’s best to keep your sore from touching the bed sheets. Also, when you move as you sleep, you might risk rubbing your wounds against the mattress, further opening it and causing intense pain.

Wear comfortable clothes for your foot

Put on a pair of soft, loose socks or clean foot mops. Avoid wearing shoes, tight footwear, or going barefoot. In fact, it’s best to keep away from walking for awhile until your doctor says you’re clear.

Visit a doctor regularly

There’s only one person who can give you special advice on how to best take care of your diabetic foot ulcer. He can give you medicine prescriptions, tips on how to make it better, and even offer to dress it for you. Also, he can notify you of changes and advise you on what to do. Note that though there are a lot of doctors who are an expert in the field of diabetes, only a few dwell so much into this type of condition, so choose your doctor well.

Keep your nails clean

Whether you have diabetes or not, neglecting your toenails unclean and unhygienic. It is not advisable for diabetic patients to trim their nails. But don’t let this be an excuse for you to go on with unclean toenails, as bacteria could easily reproduce and reach your wound, leading to infection. There are doctors who specialize in foot care called podiatrists, and they will help you keep your foot maintained and your foot ulcer safe.