3 Ways To Keep An Ulcer On Your Foot From Getting Infected
Posted on: 5 December 2017
As a diabetic patient, you are at a great risk of developing ulcers on your feet. The risk of developing an ulcer on your foot increases if you are overweight and consume tobacco and alcohol as well. If you ever develop an ulcer on your foot, there are a few things you need to do to prevent the ulcer from becoming infected while it heals.
#1 Clean The Wound Daily
One of the most important things you can do when you have an ulcer on your foot is to clean the wound on a daily basis. To do this, you are going to want to wash the wound under gentle warm water and use antibacterial soap on the wound. Then, you are going to want to pat dry the wound and apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound.
After that, you need to make sure that you wrap the wound up properly. You are going to want to put a light dressing around the wound, which means wrapping a bandage around your foot. Your podiatrist should be able to show you and coach you on how to clean and dress the diabetic wound properly on a daily basis.
#2 Don't Go Barefoot
When you have an ulcer on your foot, you should not be walking around barefoot, even in your own home. Walking around barefoot allows dirt and germs to get into your ulcer, which could lead to infection. Walking around barefoot also increases the chance that you will hit your foot and injure the ulcer area even more.
Purchase some slippers to wear when you are walking around inside of your house and make sure to always put on shoes when you go outside as well. Keeping your feet covered is a great way to protect them.
Just make sure that your shoes and slippers do not fit too tightly. You don't want to put unnecessary pressure on the ulcer. Wear shoes that are comfortable but not too tight on your foot.
#3 Manage Your Blood Glucose
Part of taking care of your foot has to do with managing your diabetes. Managing your diabetes is a life-long job, and the better you do at it, the better your overall health is going to be. If you are not doing a good job with managing your diabetes, you need to set up an appointment with a primary care doctor and a nutrientist to help you get back on track. Managing your diabetes will help you take care of your ulcer and aid in the healing process. It will also help you take better care of your overall health.
If you discover an ulcer on your foot, get into your podiatrist right away. Have your podiatrist look at your foot and provide you with specific care instructions. Until you can get in to see your podiatrist, remember to keep your ulcer covered and moist using topically applied medication to aid the healing process.
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