By Susan Bernstein
WebMD Feature
If you have diabetes, your eyes might be your best medicine when it comes to protecting your skin.
Act quickly to treat any small cut, scrape, or scratch to make sure it heals properly, says James L. Roth, MD. He's a family physician in Johns Creek, GA. Check your body daily for even small wounds so you can treat them right away.
Type 2 diabetes is a common and serious disease in the United States and worldwide. However, it’s thought that one-third of those with type 2 diabetes are unaware that they have this serious illness. Because often there are no symptoms with type 2 diabetes, early screening may help people avoid the more serious complications of this disease, including chronic hyperglycemia that’s associated with long-term damage of the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Persons with undiagnosed type...
“You have to keep it clean, keep it covered, and keep looking at it to see if it’s getting better or getting worse,” he says. “If it’s not healing within two days, if it is not granulating [forming a scab], and if the skin is not coming together, go to the doctor. People with diabetes don’t heal as well. They don’t have good blood flow. Wounds don’t always get better quickly. Cuts and scrapes can fester and turn into something worse.”
If you think you've gotten an infection, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Don't wait. Some major infections need to be operated on, and some people risk needing to have part or all of a limb surgically removed (amputated).
Boost your odds of avoiding a problem with serious consequences. Here's how to treat wounds and spot the symptoms of an infection.
First Aid
If you notice a small cut, scrape, wound, or even a scratch, take these steps to treat it:
- Wash the wound with soap and water.
- Avoid using antiseptics, rubbing alcohol, or iodine. These products may irritate your skin.
- Use antibiotic creams or ointments if your doctor approves.
- Cover with sterile gauze or a bandage.
- Keep pressure off your wound, such as tight clothing or shoes that may rub against it and make it worse.
Infection Warning Signs
Cuts, scrapes, scratches, or blisters on your feet can become an ulcer. These deep, open wounds can allow bacteria into your bloodstream.
You could become very ill or risk needing an amputation if you don’t seek care. It’s important to keep any infection controlled, before it gets into your system, Roth says.
Watch for these warning signs that your cut or scrape may be infected:
- Hot to the touch
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Unusual draining, such as pus
- No scab after a day or two
- Cut isn’t closing up after a day or two
source : Scratches, Scrapes, Cuts, and Diabetes
