How long does a diabetic foot ulcer take to heal?
Diabetes makes people more likely to have foot ulcers. Ulcers are open sores on the skin that don’t heal the way they should. If ulcers are left untreated, it may become severe. It is believed that between 14-24 percent of people with diabetes are likely to develop an ulcer and have their lower limb amputated.
One of the early signs of foot ulcers is pus from your foot that might stain your socks. Abnormal swelling, soreness, redness, and odors from feet infected are common initial symptoms of a foot ulcer.
Why is foot ulcers healing slow?
When you have diabetes, several factors can affect your body’s ability to heal ulcers. A diabetic foot ulcer has various causes, often including external ischemia, neuropathy, or both. A few of them include:
- High blood sugar levels
- Neuropathy
- Poor circulation
- Immune system deficiency
- Infection
If you get an ulcer or notice any change in your skin that you’re unsure about, consult a doctor, could be a primary doctor or a diabetes specialist. A debridement procedure will be given to the infected area, removing unhealthy tissue from the wound to spur healing. The doctor will also work with you to keep your sore or ulcer from getting infected and becoming more significant.