Healthy Skin, Healthy Healing: Don’t Ignore Slow-Healing Wounds
For people with diabetes, even a small cut, blister or scrape can take longer to heal and may lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Although our skin is constantly repairing itself, a wound that isn’t healing after 2 weeks should be checked by a healthcare professional. Healthy healing starts with early detection.
Diabetes can affect the body in many ways, particularly the nerves and blood vessels. Over time, high blood sugar levels may damage the nerves in the feet, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. When this occurs, diabetic people may lose some or all sensation in their feet, making it difficult to feel pain, pressure, heat or injuries, and the risk of fungus and fungal nails increases.
The combination of decreased sensation and poor circulation increases the risk of wounds becoming infected and developing into serious complications such as Diabetic Foot Ulcer — an open sore or wound that commonly develops on the bottom of the foot, toes or other pressure points.
Sometimes wounds need extra help — especially if they heal slowly or keep coming back.
Watch for:
✔ Redness that spreads
✔ Swelling
✔ Drainage
✔ A wound that isn’t improving
Check your feet every day. A 30-second foot check could help prevent serious complications.
Tips for Preventing Diabetic Foot Wounds
Protecting your feet starts with healthy habits:
✔ Maintain good blood sugar control.
✔ Wear properly fitted shoes and clean socks.
✔ Never walk barefoot, even indoors.
✔ Keep feet clean and dry.
✔ Moisturize dry skin, but avoid applying lotion between the toes.
✔ Trim toenails carefully or seek professional foot care.
✔ Schedule routine foot examinations.
✔ Seek medical attention promptly for any wound or injury.
Do not wait for a wound to become painful before seeking treatment. Many people with diabetic neuropathy may not feel pain even when a wound is worsening.
If you notice a wound that is not improving, signs of infection or any unusual changes in your feet, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent complications and support faster healing.
We are also independent prescribers able to prescribe any medication from the BNF relevant to the lower limb, foot and ankle.
Are you suffering from any foot, skin or nail condition? At The Chelsea Clinic, we can help. One of our podiatrist can assist and then recommend what treatments are best to get you back on track. Podiatrist South Kensington
Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at +44 (0) 207 101 4000.
We hope you have a feetastic day!
-The Chelsea Clinic and Team
Learn more about Mal de Meleda
