How to Care for Diabetic Wounds

Having diabetes raises your risk for developing infections and complications from wounds on the skin. In many cases, these wounds and infections are seen on the feet. There are many steps that you can take to help prevent these wounds, as well as decrease your chances of developing infections.

Items Needed

• Sterile dressings


• Topical medications

Diabetic Wound Care

• Lower your chances of developing serious infections from wounds by managing your diabetes. Taking all of your prescribed medications, eating a well balanced diet and getting some form of daily exercise will help strengthen your immune system and fight off serious infections.


• Clean any wounds thoroughly with soap and water and keep them covered with a sterile dressing to help prevent infection. You can also use topical medications to help keep the area moist.


• Cleanse the wound and reapply the sterile dressing every day until it has healed.


• Stay off of your feet as much as possible. Since diabetics are at a higher risk of developing wounds on the feet, staying off of your feet and wearing protective footwear while outside will help lower your chances of developing serious wounds on the feet.


• Avoid walking outside barefoot, wearing shoes that are too tight or exposing your feet to extremely hot or cold temperatures, all of which can raise your risk of developing infections on your feet.


• Keep a close eye on any wounds that you have, especially those that are on the feet. If you notice that a wound looks infected, make an appointment with your health care provider. Your health care provider may need to do a procedure that removes any dead skin or tissue from the wound. Your health care provider will also give you a prescription for antibiotics if your wound has become infected.