The expert explains what care is important to prevent wound infection
For a good healing it is necessary that some elements work perfectly. Two of them are: the blood supply and the oxygen concentration at the injured site. This action is perfect for leukocytes, platelets and stem cells to differentiate into other collagen-producing cells and blood vessels for wound healing. “In patients with diabetes, high glucose negatively interferes with this process, disrupting the tissue regeneration process,” explains Dr. Lucia Henriques Alves da Silva, endocrinologist.
Factors Affecting Healing
According to the doctor. Lucia Henriques Alves da Silva, some of the main factors influencing the healing of a patient are:
- Age of the patient;
- Nutritional status;
- Local blood circulation;
- History of smoking or alcoholism
- Presence of certain diseases such as diabetes;
- Cancer and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome);
- Use of certain medications that can make healing more difficult, such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy drugs.
signs of infection
The patient with diabetes should be aware of the symptoms that indicate that the wound is not healing properly, as they are signs of infection:
- Extension of the wound;
- presence of intense redness around the wound;
- Blackened plaques and local pain.
Therefore, basic care must be maintained for an improvement of the affected region, such as keeping the wound always clean, with adequate dressings, avoiding trauma, so that the pressure does not increase in the area and using drugs according to the doctor’s opinion.
Observation: in cases of diabetic patients with vascular complications and neuropathy (loss of sensation), healing will take longer.
Cases of extreme injuries
In some cases of very severe injuries, the limbs must be amputated, as movement may be limited. This is due to the total loss of tissue vitality. “Unfortunately, amputation is necessary so that the infection does not spread to the whole body, including the risk of death,” explains Dr. Lucia Henriques Alves da Silva.
Necessary care
The first recommendation is to clean the wound and avoid contaminated substances, which can aggravate the situation, such as ground coffee and sugar. The best thing, after cleaning the place, is to seek a doctor. “The wound can be kept open or closed, depending on the stage of healing and the patient’s decision,” says the endocrinologist.
Precautions for the diabetic foot
Foot care is often a cause for concern for patients and doctors. Sometimes they go unnoticed by most individuals, especially those who have already lost sensation. For this reason, Dr. Lucia Henriques Alves da Silva recommends that the patient, every day, foot inspection, keeping them clean, dry and hydrated. In addition, it is also important to avoid walking barefoot or wearing inappropriate shoes, which cause friction on the skin, and not to remove the cuticles. This prevents the appearance of foot sores.
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
