Diabetic foot infection: Preventing Infection in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

3M Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressing

Why is diabetic foot infection such a problem? For most people a stubbed toe or scraped foot is no big deal. It hurts a bit, gets treated with a Band-Aid, and gets better. But for the person with diabetes, that stubbed toe can become a major injury.

Foot ulcers caused by diabetes can become infected and cause serious damage if not treated properly. Very high blood glucose levels increase the risk of infection. When neuropathy (damaged nerves) exists, there may be no pain to signal danger. This obviously adds risk, as a person may not even know there is a wound.

Due to poor oxygen circulation in the blood, what started as a simple sore or blister can become a severely infected wound that may lead to surgery or in severe cases amputation. For someone with diabetes, a simple cut or sore could cause a diabetic foot infection and is not simple thing.

It is important to check the feet daily. If this is physically difficult to do, placing a mirror on the floor for self-examination or having someone else check for possible sores may be necessary. The earlier a foot ulcer is noticed and treated, the easier it will be to prevent infection.

For a person with diabetes, preventing sores from forming in the first place is ideal but not always possible. When foot ulcers do form, proper treatment is crucial in preventing serious infection.

The type of dressing (bandage) used when treating a wound depends on the severity of the wound. If the wound is not infected, 3M Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressing may be appropriate. Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressing provides a waterproof yet breathable bacterial barrier for a variety of wounds including abrasions, blisters, and skin tears. Transparent dressings allow for monitoring of the wound without having to remove the dressing.

3M Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressing is widely used in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other healthcare settings. Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressing contours to the body and flexes with the skin. Because it comes in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be cut to any size, it is also ideal for every household first-aid kit.

Reference:

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About the Author: Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education Home Medical Supplies | Home Medical Equipment – Save Rite Medical Discount Medical Supply Store – 1-866-923-1544 – Get the lowest prices on home medical equipment and home medical supplies online at SaveRiteMedical.com.

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