With increasing population and higher life expectancy, there is an increase in diabetes mellitus worldwide. Wounds in people with diabetes mellitus are a frequent complication. The incidence of diabetics is about 15-20% injuries which often occur on the feet.
Causes of sores
Wounds in diabetes are usually associated with blockage of blood vessels, especially arteries, or also called Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). PAD is a disease of the arteries caused by blockages (atherosclerosis), and diabetes mellitus is a high risk factor for this disease.
Patients with diabetes mellitus are at risk of developing PAD 20 times greater than patients without diabetes mellitus. The possibility of amputation also increases if PAD occurs by 34.1% and mortality is 5.5%.
Symptoms of diabetes mellitus
The symptoms themselves in patients with diabetic wounds accompanied by blood vessel disorders are in the form of wounds that do not heal (chronic), wounds that smell and ooze pus, to black. Comprehensive and periodic examinations are needed so that people with diabetic wounds can be treated as early as possible so as to prevent amputation. With the development of medical science, especially in the field of blood vessels, we can open blood vessels with stents or balloons , so that the incidence of amputation can be reduced.
Some of the problems that occur in diabetic wounds, especially on the feet, are reduced to the loss of sensation in the feet. This causes the patient not to feel pain when the leg is injured.
How to prevent diabetes mellitus wounds
Here are some tips that can be used to prevent diabetes sores:
- Wash your feet every day with clean water and body wash
- Apply moisturizer/lotion ( body lotion ) on dry areas of the feet so that the skin does not crack, but not between the fingers because it will be damp and can cause fungus
- Toenail clippers should follow the normal shape of the toe, not too close to the skin, then file it so that the nails are not sharp
- Wear footwear or sandals to protect your feet so you don't get injured
- Use shoes or sandals that are good, fit and comfortable to wear with enough space for the toes
- Check shoes before wearing, whether there are gravel, sharp objects such as needles and thorns
- Check if there are signs of inflammation, immediately go to the doctor if the foot is injured
The appearance of diabetic sores can be prevented with some of the tips above, make sure to be more careful to prevent diabetic sores. If there are diabetic wounds that are not getting better, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment for diabetic wounds.
This article was written by dr. Hendry Susanto, Sp.B who is a surgeon at EMC Cikarang Hospital, EMC Puomas Hospital, and EMC Pekayon Hospital.