For individuals with conditions like diabetes and kidney or heart disease, proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and complications. Even minor cuts or scrapes can become serious if not treated promptly. This guide offers clear steps to clean and protect wounds, helpful tips to support your skin health, and signs that mean you should seek medical care. Before making any changes to your wound or skin care routine, be sure to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Your doctor can help guide you based on your personal health needs.
First Aid Steps
In any situation involving a cut or scrape, quick and careful first aid can prevent infection and set the stage for smooth healing.
- Clean Your Hands
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water before touching the wound to remove bacteria.
- Rinse the Wound
- Gently flush with running water.
- Clean the skin around the cut with mild soap but keep soap out of the wound itself.
- Apply Antibiotic (Optional)
- Use a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on the wound surface.
- Check with your primary care provider or podiatrist before using.
- Cover the Wound
- Choose a sterile bandage or gauze pad.
- Replace the dressing every day or sooner if it becomes wet or dirty.
- Very small wounds may heal without a bandage, just keep them clean and dry and watch for any bleeding.
Why Does Healing Take Longer?
Diabetes and related conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, or circulation problems affect the body’s ability to repair tissue in several ways. High blood sugar can trigger extra inflammation that delays the natural repair process. Damage to blood vessels reduces circulation, so less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the injury site. Nerve damage called neuropathy may keep you from feeling a cut or scrape right away, allowing it to worsen if unnoticed. Kidney or heart disease can further impair healing and increase the chance of ulcers or persistent wounds. Because of these combined factors, even small injuries can take much longer to heal and may become infected if not monitored closely.
Foot and Skin Care Tips
Keeping skin healthy and inspecting your feet daily can help prevent wounds from developing and catch issues early.
- Check your feet every day for redness, blisters, cracks or foreign objects.
- Use a mirror or ask for help if you cannot see the bottoms of your feet.
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer once or twice daily to prevent dry, cracked skin.
- Avoid applying cream between your toes to reduce excess moisture.
- Bathe or shower in warm water rather than hot water to preserve natural skin oils.
- Schedule regular check-ups with a podiatrist to catch problems early.
When to Seek Help
Knowing when to contact a healthcare provider can stop a simple wound from turning into a serious complication. Reach out if you notice any of these signs:
- Increased pain, redness or swelling
- Unpleasant odor
- Spreading redness or red streaks
- Fever or chills
- No improvement after two or three days of home care
Even if you do not notice any of these signs, talk with your doctor if you are unsure about a wound or if anything changes. It is always better to check in early and get guidance.
Proper wound care and daily skin checks are essential parts of managing risks related to diabetes. By following these guidelines, you support your body’s healing processes and protect against infection. Remember that teamwork with your healthcare providers makes a big difference; keep them informed of any concerns so they can help you stay healthy and active. For more information about the importance of visiting a podiatrist, check out HGIC 1234, Podiatrist Care for Foot Health and Diabetes.
If you have further questions or questions specific to your wound, please contact your primary care doctor or a local healthcare professional.
References:
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2024, January 4). Dermatologist-recommended skin care for people with diabetes. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/diabetes-skin-care
- American Podiatric Medical Association. (n.d.). Diabetic wound care. https://www.apma.org/patients-and-the-public/conditions-affecting-the-foot-and-ankle/diabetic-wound-care/
- American Red Cross. (n.d.). Wounds. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-first-aid/wounds
- Dasari, N., Jiang, A., Skochdopole, A., Chung, J., Reece, E. M., Vorstenbosch, J., & Winocour, S. (2021, July 15). Updates in diabetic wound healing, inflammation, and scarring. Journal of Dental Research, 89(3), 219–229. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8432997/
- Logansport Memorial Hospital. (2023, May 23). Diabetic skin care: Dealing with cuts and scratches. https://www.logansportmemorial.org/blog/diabetic-skin-care-for-cuts-and-scratches
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, May 1). First aid: Cuts and scrapes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cuts/basics/art-20056711
Authors:
- Bailee Floyd, Rural Health and Nutrition, Horry and Marion Counties
- Jessica Lynes, Graduate Student Intern, Rural Health and Nutrition
