Diabetic Slow Healing Wound Discharge Instructions
For diabetic patients with slow healing wounds, standard care should include sharp debridement, basic wound dressings that absorb exudate and maintain a moist environment, and appropriate offloading to promote healing and prevent complications. 1
Wound Care Instructions
Dressing Management
- Use dressings that absorb wound exudate while maintaining a moist wound healing environment 1
- Change dressings as recommended by your healthcare provider, typically every 1-3 days depending on exudate amount 1
- Do not use topical antiseptic or antimicrobial dressings as they do not improve healing outcomes 1, 2
- Avoid using honey, herbal remedies, collagen, or alginate dressings as they have not shown benefit for diabetic foot ulcers 1
Debridement and Cleaning
- Attend all scheduled appointments for professional sharp debridement of necrotic tissue and surrounding callus 1
- Gently clean the wound with saline or as directed by your healthcare provider 1, 3
- Do not soak feet in footbaths as this can cause skin maceration 1
- Never attempt self-debridement with scissors, razors, or other sharp objects 1, 3
Offloading Techniques
- Use prescribed offloading devices consistently (non-removable knee-high device is preferred for plantar wounds) 1, 2
- Limit standing and walking as instructed; use crutches or other assistive devices if recommended 1
- Never walk barefoot, even inside your home 1, 2
- For non-plantar wounds, use recommended shoe modifications, temporary footwear, toe-spacers or orthoses 1
Monitoring and Follow-up
Signs of Infection
- Monitor for signs of infection: increased pain, redness, warmth, swelling, foul odor, or increased drainage 1, 4
- Check for fever or elevated blood glucose levels, which may indicate infection 1, 2
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any signs of infection 1, 4
Blood Glucose Management
- Maintain optimal blood glucose control as recommended by your provider 5, 6
- Monitor blood glucose levels regularly and record them 2, 5
- Take all diabetes medications as prescribed 2, 5
Follow-up Appointments
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for wound assessment and care 1, 2
- Treatment should be adjusted if insufficient improvement is observed after 2 weeks 2
- High-risk patients should be monitored every 1-3 months even after healing 2
Prevention of Complications
Daily Foot Inspection
- Inspect both feet daily, including between toes, using a mirror if necessary 1, 2
- Look for new wounds, blisters, redness, or other changes 1, 2
- If you cannot see your feet clearly, have a family member check them 2
Footwear Recommendations
- Always wear properly fitting shoes that do not cause pressure points 1, 2
- Never return to the same shoes that caused the ulcer 1
- If prescribed custom footwear or inserts, use them consistently 1, 2
Home Care Practices
- Keep the affected foot clean and dry 1, 3
- Apply moisturizer to dry skin areas but not between toes or on the wound 1, 2
- Maintain proper nutrition with adequate protein intake to support healing 2, 3
- Avoid weight-bearing activities on the affected foot as instructed 1, 2
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the wound 1, 4
- Foul odor or increased drainage from the wound 1, 4
- Fever, chills, or significantly elevated blood glucose levels 1, 4
- New areas of skin breakdown or discoloration 1, 2
- Inability to bear weight on the affected foot when this was previously possible 1, 2