How Do You Get Rid of Diabetic Sores? Treatment

Diabetic sores are open wounds that often affect the feet and legs but can also form in other areas such as the hands or folds of the skin on the abdomen.

One of the main causes of diabetic sores is high blood sugar levels, which can damage the nerves and blood vessels over time and restrict blood flow, especially to the limbs. This makes it harder for wounds to heal.

Diabetes makes a person more likely to develop ulcers or sores because of the following:

• Neuropathy: Nerve damage reduces the sensation in the feet, making them insensitive to minor cuts or injuries.
• Poor blood circulation: Poor blood flow makes it harder for even minor wounds to heal. Diabetes is also linked to a condition called peripheral arterial disease, which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet.
• Reduced immune function: The immune system is responsible for fighting off and stopping infections, but in people with diabetes, the immune system is less effective.

Even minor wounds or small cuts can turn into serious foot ulcers if not treated properly.

Diabetic sores may appear as:

• Hot, swollen, and painful blisters on the skin
• Itchy rash
• Dry, scaly skin
• Ulcers with discharge that may be watery, white, yellow, or greenish

Diabetic sores or ulcers are dangerous because they can lead to serious infections or even gangrene. Seek immediate medical help if you notice signs such as:

• Increased redness, pain, warmth, or swelling around the wound
• Excessive drainage from the ulcer
• Pus discharge
• Foul-smelling odor
• Fever or chills
• Decreased skin sensation around the wound
• Changes in color (turning blue or black)

Diabetic sores can be prevented by:

• Monitoring blood sugar levels
• Keeping blood sugar levels under control through diet, exercise, and medications
• Checking the skin regularly (especially the feet) for blisters, cuts, cracks, sores, redness, white spots or areas, thick calluses, discoloration, or other changes
• Trimming toenails to prevent injury
• Maintaining good hygiene by washing your feet often and fully drying them
• Avoiding walking barefoot, as this can increase the odds of injuries, cuts, or wounds
• Wearing comfortable footwear
• Avoiding tight-fitting shoes
• Limiting or quitting smoking as this could damage blood vessels, decrease blood flow, and slow down healing

Unfortunately, diabetes interrupts the body’s natural healing processes.

Increased blood glucose levels associated with diabetes essentially strangle white blood cells and impair their function. Hence, it may take weeks or even several months for diabetic foot ulcers to heal. However, healing time depends on several factors such as severity of the wound, extent of blood sugar control, and type of treatment given.