Wound care techniques for diabetics, the elderly, and those with low immunity
Each type of wound has its own characteristics and complexity. That require different care. For example, diabetic wounds are at risk of infection and heal slowly. Chronically infected wounds require special care or continuous medication. Wounds in the elderly require health care as a contributing factor. Wounds in immunocompromised patients, such as cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, require close care to prevent complications. The details are as follows:
How to care for diabetic wounds
Diabetic wounds are often chronic and difficult techniques for diabetics to heal. Regular wound cleaning, blood sugar control, and foot care are important to prevent new wounds from forming. Here’s how:
- Self-care for diabetic wounds: You should start by gently cleaning the wound using medical saline or mild soap, and avoid substances that may harm the tissue, such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. The wound should be covered with a clean dressing or sterilized with a material. That helps retain moisture or can absorb fluid well, such as hydrogel. Avoid using a plaster to cover the wound directly to reduce the risk of irritation and excessive moisture accumulation. In addition, you should observe for abnormal symptoms, such as swelling, redness, heat, lymph or pus. If you find these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
- Treatment by a specialist: The doctor will examine the wound and may perform debridement to remove infected tissue and stimulate the wound healing process. In addition, oral or injectable antibiotics may be prescribe, depending on the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, the patient may need special shoes or walking aids to reduce pressure on the wound and prevent further friction. This will help the wound heal faster and reduce the risk of complications.
- Preventing diabetic ulcers: Blood sugar levels should controlled to be in good condition. Which is a major factor in preventing diabetic ulcers. Take care of your foot health by always washing your feet, drying them, and checking for สมัคร UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ abrasions or abnormal skin color changes for timely treatment. Wear shoes of the right size that provide support to prevent severe friction, and avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk of ulcers.
How to care for chronic infected wounds
Chronically infected wounds are at high risk of complications such as re-infection. So meticulous care and consistency are required, as follows:
Clean the wound
with medical saline solution (Normal Saline Solution, NSS), an appropriate antiseptic such as Chlorhexidine 0.05%, or a wound cleanser recommended by a doctor to prevent tissue damage in the wound area from harsh chemicals such as alcohol. The wound should be gently wiped dry with a clean cloth. As for the use of antibacterial drugs such as Mupirocin, it should be under consideration and in accordance with the doctor’s advice.
Cover the wound with gauze
or a type of wound dressing that absorbs fluid, such as Hydrocolloid, Foam dressing or Alginate dressing, which helps keep the wound properly moist and reduces the risk of infection. However, be careful when using it on a wound with a severe infection because it may not be suitable if the wound has a lot of pus or secretions. The wound dressing should be techniques for diabetics change every 24-48 hours or more often if there is fluid seeping out. Observe the wound every time for any abnormalities. If the wound is swollen, red or has pus, see a doctor immediately.
Take care of your overall health
by checking your health and treating chronic diseases that cause wounds to heal slowly or are at risk of infection to be in good condition, including eating foods high in protein, which will help promote the creation of new tissue and accelerate wound healing. Avoid stress and smoking, which affect blood flow to the wound, making it less effective and causing the wound to heal slowly or with difficulty, and also increasing the risk of infection or complications more easily.