Options For Treating Diabetic Ulcers

Debridement

Debridement is a standard procedure used to treat diabetic foot ulcers that must be completed by a doctor. It involves removing dead tissue from the site of the ulcer and can be done using a variety of methods. Nonsurgical methods of debridement include using antiseptics and other chemicals and pastes to remove the dead skin. If these methods fail or are not appropriate for a particular patient, doctors will use surgical debridement.

For this type of the procedure, doctors administer a local anesthetic and use a scalpel to cut away the layers of dead tissue. The wound is covered with a sterile dressing. The procedure stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms. Most patients wear a soft cast or orthopedic boot to keep pressure off the ulcer. The wound is checked at regular appointments, and for ulcers that have not healed in one month, doctors typically recommend more advanced treatment options.

Antibiotics And Anti-Clotting Medication

Both antibiotics and anti-clotting medication are useful in the treatment of foot ulcers. Antibiotics, which can be taken orally or applied topically, help fight infection and allow wounds to heal more quickly. In very early stages, an over-the-counter ointment containing antibiotics like neomycin may help heal the ulcer. A doctor can recommend more powerful antibiotics if needed.

Anti-clotting medication prevents blood clots and is particularly helpful if a foot ulcer has advanced deep into the skin. Many patients with diabetes may already take anticoagulants for other reasons. Doctors can prescribe different anti-clotting medication to help with foot ulcers, and they may also recommend a change in the patient's normal dose of the usual anticoagulants during this time. In the most advanced cases of foot ulcers, intravenous anticoagulants and antibiotics may be needed to help the ulcer heal. Some of the most commonly used anticoagulants include heparin, warfarin, and rivaroxaban.