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Slow-healing or Nonhealing Wounds

Treatment

Every diabetes case is different. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment according to your specific needs. Your plan may use a combination of approaches.

Compression is used to create constant pressure on the wound. There are several types of medical devices for compression therapy, and your doctor will recommend the best type for you.

As part of wound care, a medical provider may remove dead skin and tissue around the wound.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy exposes the body to pure oxygen at a high pressure, which can stimulate and speed up the healing process.

If bacterial infection is present, treatment may include oral or topical antibiotics.

Because the healing process is slowed when blood sugar is high, lowering blood sugar to a healthier level will be a priority.

Also known as vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), negative pressure wound therapy uses suction to remove fluid and dead tissue from the wound area, bring the edges of the wound together, and help new tissue grow more quickly.

If the slow-healing wound is a foot ulcer, you may need to take the weight off your lower body using a wheelchair or specialized devices like casts.

Though rare, some foot ulcers may require surgical treatment to treat underlying foot deformities that impede proper healing. Severe cases might require amputation.

Before the wound is dressed — and when dressing is changed — the wound will be thoroughly cleansed.

To help facilitate healing, the wound will be dressed with bandages and topical medications, such as ointments or creams.