How to Care for Diabetes Wounds Correctly to Avoid Complications and Amputation

HOLIDAY NEWS - Prevent complications and amputations. Here's how to properly care for diabetic wounds! 

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause various complications if not treated properly. 

One of the most common complications in diabetes sufferers is diabetic wounds, which are often difficult to heal and can lead to serious infections and even amputation if not treated properly. 

Therefore, it is important to know the right way to care for diabetes wounds so that they do not develop into more serious problems. 

Adapted from the Alodokter page, here is how to properly care for diabetes wounds:

1. Keep the wound clean

The first and most important step in caring for diabetic wounds is to keep them clean. Make sure the wound is always clean to avoid infection. 

Clean the wound using clean water and mild soap, then dry it carefully using a clean cloth or sterile gauze. 

Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, because these ingredients can damage healthy tissue and slow down the healing process. 

2. Reduce pressure on the wound

Avoid pressure on the wound area to speed healing. Don't wear clothes or shoes that are too tight. 

If the wound is on the foot, use special shoes for diabetics or a foot support so that the pressure is reduced and the wound does not get worse. 

3. Cover the wound with a bandage

Although there is an opinion that wounds should be left open, it is actually better to cover diabetes wounds with a sterile bandage or wound dressing. 

This bandage functions to absorb fluid from the wound, protect against infection, and help speed healing. Make sure the bandage used is in accordance with the doctor's recommendations. 

4. Control Blood Sugar Levels

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can slow wound healing. Therefore, it is important to keep blood sugar levels stable through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and taking medication or insulin injections if necessary. 

5. Watch for Signs of Infection

Always be alert for signs of infection in diabetic wounds. Infection can be characterized by pain, redness, swelling, heat around the wound, discharge of pus, or an unpleasant odor from the wound. 

If infection occurs, immediately clean the wound and consult a doctor for further treatment. 

So, that's the right way to care for diabetes wounds to avoid complications and amputation. If you feel symptoms such as a burning sensation, numbness, swelling, or ongoing pain around the wound, consult a doctor immediately. 

The sooner it is treated, the smaller the risk of serious complications, including amputation. Hope it is useful.