When someone with diabetes gets hurt it is very important to pay attention to the injury, even if it seems very small or simple, as in the case of cuts, scratches, blisters or calluses, as there is a greater risk that the wound will not heal properly and a serious infection.
This care can be done at home right after the injury occurs or as soon as a hidden blister or callus is discovered, for example. But in all cases it is very important to go to the dermatologist as soon as possible so that the wound is evaluated and the appropriate treatment is indicated.
This is because diabetes is a chronic disease that causes nerve damage and weakens the immune system over time, making the healing process more difficult. In addition, as the body is unable to use sugar, it accumulates in the tissues and facilitates the development of bacteria in the wounds, increasing the risk and intensity of infections.
First aid for wounds in diabetics
It is important to take care if changes occur in the skin of diabetic people, such as:
- Wash the area using warm water and soap with neutral pH; Avoid placing antiseptic products on the wound, such as alcohol, povidone iodine or hydrogen peroxide, as they can damage tissues and delay healing; Putting an antibiotic ointment, prescribed by the doctor, to try to prevent the development of an infection; Cover the area with sterile gauze, replacing it every day or according to the doctor or nurse's recommendation; Avoid putting pressure on the wound, giving preference to comfortable clothes or wide shoes, which are not rubbing over the wound.
If you have a callus, for example, you should never shave it or try to remove it at home, as it can cause severe bleeding or facilitate the development of a serious infection at the site. Thus, one should always consult a podiatrist to make the treatment adequate and avoid complications that can lead to amputation of the foot.
What to do to avoid serious complications
Due to the high risk of the lesion becoming infected or of simpler situations such as cuts, blisters or calluses worsening for deep skin ulcers, it is important to observe the site more than once a day, looking for signs such as intense redness, excessive swelling of the wound, bleeding or presence of pus, and worsening of the lesion or non-healing after 1 week.
Thus, if any of these signs appear, it is important to go back to the doctor or go to the emergency room to change the treatment and start using antibiotics that can be ingested or applied to the wound to facilitate healing and eliminate bacteria.
The most common cases of serious injuries arise in the feet, as generally the circulation to the feet, necessary to heal the wounds, gets worse over the years. In addition, wearing tight shoes facilitates the appearance of calluses and wounds, which can appear in barely visible places and not be noticed, worsening over time. To avoid this type of situation, see how to take care of the diabetic foot.
