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A recent study suggests that by 2030 around 550 million people all across the world will become diabetic. Hence, it proves that diabetes is actually the most rapidly spreading non-infectious disease.
With diabetes comes the common complication of foot ulcers in most cases. These ulcers that develop in the skin of the foot are the result of the damaged veins or nerves around in the foot. This damage solely occurs due to uncontrolled or high blood sugar levels.
What adds to the worries in such cases that the person might not be well aware of the severity of the foot ulcer due to poor sensory transmission. That it is highly recommended for people suffering from diabetes to keep a check on any signs and symptoms of diabetic foot ulcers.
It is easier to treat diabetic foot ulcers in the early stages. There are different creams or ointments available for diabetic foot ulcers.
Table of Contents
Let’s gain an insight into the effective ointments for diabetic foot ulcers:
Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is one of the most effective ointments for preventing and treating infections in diabetic foot ulcers. It belongs to a class of medicines called Imidazoles. This is an antifungal ointment that works by stopping the growth of infection-causing fungi. Clotrimazole is available under brand names like Fungoid, Lotrimin, etc.
Silver Sulfadiazine
Silver-based dressings and ointments are probably the best topical creams for improving diabetic foot ulcer. Silver Sulfadiazine is a topical antibiotic that prevents open wounds from getting infected. It stops the growth of bacteria in the wound and prevents the bacteria from spreading to the neighboring skin tissues, or to the blood, thereby reducing the risk of serious blood infections(sepsis). Silver Sulfadiazine is commonly available under the brand name Silvadene.
Polyhexamethylene biguanide
Polyhexamethylene biguanide, commonly known as PHMB or Polyhexanide is an antiseptic that is widely used in diabetic foot wound dressings and ointments. PHMB has great antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogens in and around the diabetic foot wound. Thus, PHMB effectively prevents and fights infections in the diabetic foot ulcer.
Cadexomer-Iodine
Cadexomer-Iodine is yet another excellent ointment prescribed for dressing the diabetic foot wounds. Cadexomer has an antiseptic and antimicrobial action. Cadexomer-Iodine ointment promotes healthier and faster wound healing by removing the debris and infected skin cells from in and around the wound. Cadexomer-Iodine is available in the market under names like Iodosorb and Cadress.
Medical grade honey ointment
Honey is a well-known alternative dressing for diabetic foot wounds. Honey has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibiotic effects that help subside the pain and itching of the diabetic foot ulcer. The topical usage of honey also creates a low pH environment and thus promotes the growth of new tissues and faster healing. The numerous benefits of honey as a dressing have led to the development of medical-grade honey ointments like Manuka, First Honey, etc.
Metronidazole
It is a very effective ointment for diabetic foot ulcers that have an anaerobic bacterial infection. Metronidazole has antibiotic effects and thus helps bacterial wounds in diabetic foot ulcers. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and thus reduces the swelling and redness around the diabetic foot wound. Metronidazole is commercially available as brand names like Metrocream, Noritate, Metrogel, etc.
Bacitracin zinc
Bacitracin zinc is an ointment that is effective in the initial stages of diabetic foot wounds. This is a topical antibiotic that prevents microbial growth in minor cuts, scrapes, and injuries, thereby preventing them from getting infected and turning into serious diabetic foot ulcers. It is available under the brand name Baciguent.
So, these were the most common and beneficial ointments for foot ulcers. The duration of usage of the ointment for diabetic foot ulcers totally depends upon the condition.
A tip to remember– Use any ointment for the foot ulcer only after consulting a specialist. Refrain from indulging in any sort of self-treatment or medications without medical supervision. This will work in your favor only.
Also, follow these tips to ensure the fast healing of the diabetic foot ulcers:
- Foods enriched in zinc help in keeping blood sugar level in control. Zinc also promotes fast healing of the body tissues. Thus, you must have eggs, legumes, and nuts on a regular basis. (Also read: Diabetic foot ulcer home treatment )
- Flaxseed oil is an amazing remedy for diabetic foot ulcers. It is rich in omega 3 fats that are very essential for a healthy vascular system. Therefore, it hastens the process of healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
- Vitamin E prevents the infection from growing in a diabetic foot ulcer. So, you should have avocados, capsicum, and nuts regularly.
- Coffee is excellent for improving the blood flow to the foot. The enhanced blood flow triggers the body’s immune response to fight the infection in the foot ulcers and heal them fast.
If your condition of a foot ulcer is severe
All the above-mentioned ointments and tips are more of preventive measures. Though the diabetic foot ulcer ointments can work best in the initial stages, in severe cases, the infection might not heal effectively.
What to do next?
In such a scenario, visiting a doctor immediately is highly advised. The doctor will thoroughly examine the foot and then suggest the most effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. In most cases of serious foot ulcers, vascular surgeries are the best option. These surgeries are not very complex and offer fast recovery to the patient.
So, if you are struggling with the serious symptoms of diabetic foot ulcer, reach out to your doctor without any further delay.
If you have not found the right doctor yet, you can contact us at Pristyn Care. We will book your appointment with one of the best of experienced doctors who work with us.
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