For people with diabetes, “seeing with your eyes” is the best “weapon” to protect your skin.
Treat any small cuts, scrapes or scratches quickly to make sure they heal properly, says Dr. James L. Roth, a family physician in Johns Creek, Georgia. People with diabetes should check their bodies daily for small cuts so they can be treated immediately.
He said, “It’s important to keep the wound clean, dress it, and keep checking it to see if it’s healing or getting worse. If the wound has not healed, become rough (crusted) or the skin has not held together within two days, go to the doctor. Wounds in diabetic patients may also not heal. This is because blood flow is poor and the wound does not heal quickly. Cuts and scrapes may ulcerate and get worse.”
For those who think they have an infection, tell your doctor as soon as possible and don’t delay. Some severe infections require surgery, and some may require surgical removal of part or all of the limb (amputation).
Take steps to reduce the risk of serious consequences. Here’s how to treat the wound and detect signs of infection.
First aid
If you find a small cut, scrape, puncture wound or even a scratch, follow these steps to treat it.
- Wash the wound with soap and water.
- Avoid the use of antiseptics, alcohol or iodine. Such products may irritate the skin.
- Use antibiotic creams or ointments if your doctor allows.
- Dress the wound with sterile gauze or bandages.
- Make sure the wound is not compressed. Tight clothing or shoes, etc., may rub the wound and cause it to deteriorate.
Signs of infection
Cuts, scrapes, abrasions, or blisters on the foot may develop into ulcers. These deep, open wounds can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
If left unattended, they can become sick or require amputation, and Roth said the infection must be controlled before the bacteria can enter the bloodstream.
Take note of the following warning signs that indicate a wound may be infected.
- Burning.
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Pain.
- Abnormal fluid flow, such as pus.
- Uncrusted after a day or two.
- Wound not closed after one or two days.
Roth notes that if the wound is thought to be infected or not healing properly, seek medical attention. A doctor or podiatrist may prescribe prescription antibiotics to treat the wound, drain the pus, and remove infected tissue to allow the wound to heal.
If a cut, scrape, or scratch causes a serious infection, the following symptoms may occur.
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Pulsating pain.
- Wound foul-smelling.
- Inflammation.
- Red fine lines on the skin near the wound.
These are warning signs of a serious infection in the body and urgent medical attention should be sought.