If you’re living with diabetes, you already understand that the development of diabetic wounds is a frequent concern. If a wound does develop, you’re likely looking for products and treatments that can help speed up healing time. Fortunately, there are many products available today that specifically address the unique wound care needs of diabetics.
From antibacterial ointments to moisture-rich dressings, the best wound care products are developed to help you get back on your feet quickly!
The Best Products for Diabetic Wound Care
Unfortunately, because people with diabetes are more prone to infection, diabetic wound care products are often necessary. Their wounds will often heal slowly due to poor blood circulation, and will tend to stall at one or more stages of healing.
Here are some of the best wound care products on the market for people with diabetes:
Antibiotic Ointments
You may be wondering which ointment is best for diabetic wound healing because of the many options available. But they must have antibacterial properties to help fight infection while they effectively promote faster healing. These ointments can lower the bacteria on the infection site and prevent biofilm from forming.
Some ingredients to look for in antibiotic ointments:
- Neomycin
- Bacitracin
- Polymyxin B
Moisture-Rich Dressings
Trying to pick the best dressing for diabetic wounds? Healthcare professionals recommend diabetics use moisture-rich dressings to help keep the wound site hydrated while also fighting off infection. They’re also helpful in speeding up healing time. These dressings come in many forms, including hydrogel, silver, foam, etc.
Wound dressings for diabetic wounds:
- Hydrogel wound dressings: These are made mostly of water and are excellent for retaining moisture around the wound site to support healing. They also provide a barrier against infection.
- Foam dressings: Foam dressings are used for diabetic wounds because they contain hydrophilic polyurethane foam, which absorbs wound exudate. Plus, they keep the wound surface moist.
- Silver dressings: The silver in dressings kills the bacteria while fighting microorganisms, accelerating the wound’s healing process. Furthermore, they are known to hydrate and soften the wound’s necrotic tissues.
- Collagen dressings: Dressings with collagen build new tissue around the wound, supporting the proliferation and remodeling phases of healing. These dressings prevent the wound from getting stuck in the inflammation phase.
Sterile Gauze Pads
Also important are sterile gauze pads and/or rolls. These can be placed over the main dressings to protect and keep them in place. In a pinch they will also absorb excess blood and wound exudate.
Sterile gauze pads can also be used for wound cleaning in between dressing changes.
Non-Adhesive Bandages
Non-adhesive pads are an affordable alternative to foam dressings in that they will absorb a certain amount of exudate and will not disturb the wound bed during wear or dressing changes.
Like sterile gauze, most non-adherent dressings are individually packaged to prevent contamination. Unlike many gauzes, these pads are not woven. This means they’re unlikely to leave small particles behind in the wound bed, which can cause complications.
Saline Solution and Wound Cleansers
Cleaning your wounds is a must in the wound-healing process. So if you’re thinking what is the best solution to clean a diabetic wound, saline solution is a top choice. A sterile saline solution is ideal because it effectively removes excess wound secretions and debris.
It also removes excess bacteria that can cause infection on the wound site. Purpose-made wound cleansers may do a better job of this in certain situations. The best choice between these two options will depend on your particular wound. If you’re not sure, consult a medical professional.
Regardless of the solution used, t’s essential to clean the wound at least twice a day, but not too vigorously to prevent further damage.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can support the synthesis of collagen, so it’s critical in all stages of recovery. Increasing your vitamin C intake can boost your body’s natural collagen production, which aids in the healing process.
Vitamin C also has antioxidants that help repair damaged cells, helping wounds heal faster. Plus, it’s known to reduce inflammation and fight infection. Eating foods rich in vitamin C or taking supplements can speed up the wound-healing process.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A controls your body’s inflammatory response. It also enhances your immune system, which helps your body fight infection while you’re in the healing process.
Furthermore, vitamin A also accelerates the wound-healing process by stimulating collagen synthesis, which boosts tissue repair. Therefore, it’s essential to increase your vitamin A intake during diabetic wound care.
Use the Right Diabetic Wound Care Products for Faster Healing
Managing diabetes is difficult, especially if you suffer from diabetic wounds. Having the right products to support your healing journey is paramount. You can ensure your wound heals faster and healthier using suitable bandages, saline solution, and vitamins.
Medical Monks have traditional wound care and advanced wound dressings for your wound-healing journey. And these are from well-known and reliable brands because you deserve nothing but the best.
The MEDICAL MONKS STAFF brings to the table decades of combined knowledge and experience in the medical products industry.
Edited for content by ADAM PAGE.