Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) are a complication of a metabolic disorder that inhibits the normal stages of wound healing commonly referred to as Diabetes mellitus.  Wound healing is the body’s natural response to injury and follows a specific pattern when replacing damaged tissue with new healthy skin.  The disruption to the natural wound healing phases can prevent wounds from healing and lead to further complications including amputation.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers affect approximately 15% of diabetic patients during their lifetime and are the cause of 84% of lower leg amputations.  Diabetic skin, poor circulation and loss of sensation (Diabetic Neuropathy) are risk-factors that can increase the probability of developing an ulcer.  These non-healing sores commonly occur at pressure points on the bottom of the foot such as heels, the ball of the foot or bottom of the big toe.

AMERIGEL Hydrogel Wound Dressing is indicated for diabetic ulcers and provides a moist wound environment to promote wound healing.

Diabetic ulcers should be taken seriously.  It is important that you see your health care provider right away.  To care for a wound, cleanse the wound with AMERIGEL Saline Wound Wash.  Apply AMERIGEL Hydrogel Wound Dressing directly to the wound and cover with a fabric bandage or sterile gauze pad and secure in place.  Change the dressing once or twice daily.  Good daily foot hygiene, frequent foot inspection and daily use of a moisturizer such as AMERIGEL Care Lotion can reduce the incidence of DFU’s.