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More Podiatry Foot Care Articles
Chronic Wounds, Thick Nails & Ulcers
Chronic wounds occur primarily in the elderly, disabled, and especially those with diabetes, who comprise the vast majority of those who suffer from pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous leg ulcers.
The majority of the morbidity and mortality caused by these wounds could be avoided if preventative measures were instituted prior to the development of problems and, when problems do occur, treatments were implemented in a timely and rigorous manner.
The goal of anyone involved in chronic wound care should be to heal 100% of the wounds encountered without loss of limb or life. While this may not be attainable at this time, the revascularization procedures and new wound care products and treatment methods that have “exploded” onto the scene in the past few years has made this a dream of every specialist involved in chronic wound care.
By incorporating many disciplines and newer methods, most diabetic foot ulcers should be expected to heal in the absence of ischemia (absence of circulation) or osteomyelitis (bone infection).
Why Is It Important
To Treat Thick Nails
And Athlete's Foot In A Diabetic?
Statistically, anyone who has a fungus nail or athlete's foot has three times the chance of developing a diabetic complication, such as an ulcer or cellulitis. In one study published at the 20th World Congress of Dermatology in 2002, it was found that 82% of patients with bacterial cellulitis also had a fungus infection. Another 1993 study of 680 HMO members revealed that patients with fungus infections had significantly poorer self-ratings with respect to pain, general health, physical appearance, functional limitations, and social functioning.
Athlete's foot can cause a disruption of skin integrity acting as a portal of entry for bacteria such as staph or strep. Also, the nail can act as a reservoir for infection to spread elsewhere.
Treatment for fungus nails varies depending on the length of time and severity. Treatment may include oral medicine, local application of medicines, or very often, a combination of the two. If the nail is extremely thickened, it may have to be excised so the medication can penetrate to the origin of the infection.
In conclusion, everyone, especially diabetics, should realize how important it is to treat fungus nails and athlete's foot. All too often diabetics will contact a health care professional immediately to treat a bacterial or viral infection, yet wait many days, months, or even years to treat a fungus infection.
