Leg Ulcers Not Healing
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 |
Q: "My husband is diabetic. He has ulcers on his lower right leg that don’t seem to be healing. Is there anything he can do to help it heal faster? I am very concerned because he had a staph infection in the left leg and had to have it removed in 1998. Is there a need to be concerned about staph now? Please send me information on this subject and staph infection also. Thank you very much."
A: Commonly, healing leg ulcers will require a team approach, with these components:
- A doctor supervising the wound care, while also paying special attention to making sure the diabetes is in good control. High blood glucose can interfere with and delay healing.
- Sometimes a vascular surgeon is needed, to assess the circulation.
- Sometimes Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment is used; many hospitals have this type of treatment available.
- There are various wound care centers that take care of diabetes problems. You may want to ask your doctor or your local hospital if there is a wound center near you.
Poor healing of ulcers is serious, but that there are many things that can be done. Of course I am not able to assess your husband's situation, and I would encourage you to discuss these issues with your husband's doctor right away to see what is the best treatment for him.
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