Recognizing the characteristics of diabetic wounds is an important thing to do. This is because diabetes can lead to complications, one of which is wounds that are difficult to heal.
Diabetes mellitus is not too dangerous if it can be controlled. However, glucose levels that exceed normal levels can lead to complications. If patients fail to manage their sugar levels, complications will be more difficult to prevent.
Now that you know the characteristics of diabetic wounds, read here to learn more about diabetes.
Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves and reduce the power of white blood cells to fight infection. This is why wounds in people with diabetes tend to be more difficult to heal. The characteristics are as follows:
Please be aware that high blood sugar levels can cause neuropathy nerve damage. This can occur in all parts of the body, especially the feet and legs.
This damage can cause people with diabetes to become numb and unable to notice small cuts or abrasions on their feet. As a result, the wound does not receive proper treatment until the condition worsens and causes pain and swelling in the foot area.
Infected diabetic wounds may show symptoms of infection, such as a colored or foul-smelling discharge. This discharge is a sign of bacteria that can worsen the condition of the wound.
The presence of pus should be considered a signal to seek immediate medical attention, as the infection can spread and cause more severe damage. In addition, it should be emphasized that diabetics often have weaker immune systems, making them susceptible to infections.
Therefore, keeping the wound clean, changing dressings regularly, and following wound care instructions from medical professionals are important steps to prevent further infection.
The next characteristic of diabetic wounds is the presence of eschar around the wound. Eschar is a black tissue that forms in the wound area. This can occur because there is no healthy blood flow to the area around the wound.
Eschar can hinder the healing process and worsen infection. When eschar appears around a wound, more intensive medical treatment is required to prevent infection and other complications.
Cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissues that can develop around diabetic wounds. Symptoms of cellulitis include redness, swelling, and heat in the skin around the wound.
Diabetics need to pay attention to these signs as cellulitis can cause serious problems if not treated quickly. Good management of blood sugar levels and careful wound care can help prevent the development of cellulitis.
Cellulitis can spread rapidly and cause serious complications if not addressed in a timely manner. Therefore, it is important to always monitor the signs of cellulitis and consult a medical professional immediately if symptoms appear.
Type 1 or 2 diabetes can cause diabetic foot ulcers. These are skin wounds and loss of thickness in the skin of the foot due to vascular and neuropathic complications. It is usually preceded by a hemorrhagic subepidermal blister.
Ulcers usually develop in the form of calluses on frequently stressed areas and have a circle-like shape. Management of foot ulcers involves careful wound care, blood sugar management, and administration of antibiotics if infection occurs.
People with diabetes often experience numbness and dullness in certain parts of the body, especially the feet and hands. This is caused by nerve damage or neuropathy, which is a common complication of diabetes.
When these nerves are impaired, sufferers lose sensation, so they may not be aware of cuts or pressure on the skin.
The next characteristic of diabetic wounds is the appearance of open wounds on the body, especially the feet. Blood sugar levels that remain high for a long time can cause diabetes to become uncontrollable.
One of the effects of high blood sugar levels is the appearance of open wounds that are difficult to heal. This occurs due to poor blood circulation and damaged nerves. Usually, these wounds appear in the foot area.
Another characteristic that can be seen on the skin is the appearance of warts on some areas of the body. Although this is not dangerous, these warts are a sign of too high insulin levels in the blood.
Generally, these warts will appear on several areas such as the neck, when, eyelids, or groin. If you find this on your body, do not hesitate to consult the diabetic center & wound clinic at Persada Hospital.
Foot ulcers are a common feature that is often experienced by people with diabetes. This can occur due to changes in the skin, nerves, and blood vessels that are uncontrolled in people with diabetes.
Symptoms may include open sores on the soles of the feet. This wound can be a gateway for germs from outside to enter and infect the foot until the wound releases pus and an unpleasant odor. If left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the bloodstream.
Hammertoes is a disorder that causes the toes of the foot to bend downwards. This occurs due to weakened muscles and shortened tendons.
This condition can cause pain for sufferers, making it difficult for diabetics to walk. This abnormal position can increase the risk of pressure and friction, which can then lead to sores and infections.
Blisters are also one of the problems often experienced by people with diabetes. A blister has a shape similar to a fluid-filled bubble on the surface of the foot. Usually this occurs due to continuous friction on the upper surface of the foot.
If a blister appears on the foot area, try not to break it off as this can lead to more severe wounds and infection. Eventually, the wound may turn into a diabetic ulcer.
Diabetes is a type of disease that can affect anyone, both young and old. One of the most common characteristics experienced by diabetics is the appearance of hard-to-heal wounds on the body.
If you think you have experienced some of the characteristics of diabetic wounds above, immediately consult with the diabetic center & wound clinic Persada Hospital Malang. Equipped with adequate facilities and expert medical personnel, early detection of diabetes can be done more comprehensively. Let's consult your complaint via our contact here!
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