What are diabetic ulcers caused by?

Causes. Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and lower extremity ischemia (lack of blood flow) due to peripheral artery disease are the primary causes of diabetic foot ulcers.

What stage is a diabetic ulcer?

When treating diabetic foot ulcers it is important to be aware of the natural history of the diabetic foot, which can be divided into five stages: stage 1, a normal foot; stage 2, a high risk foot; stage 3, an ulcerated foot; stage 4, an infected foot; and stage 5, a necrotic foot.

What are the symptoms of diabetic ulcer?

If diabetic neuropathy leads to diabetic foot ulcers, symptoms to watch out for include:

• Any changes to the skin or toenails, including cuts, blisters, calluses or sores.
• Discharge of fluid or pus.
• Foul smell.
• Pain.
• Redness.
• Skin discoloration.
• Swelling.

Which is the most common type of diabetic ulcer?

Ulcerations associated with diabetes are the most common cause of foot ulcers. Most of these ulcers are a direct result of loss of sensation secondary to peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 15% of persons with diabetes will develop foot ulceration during their lifetime.

What is the best treatment for a diabetic ulcer?

Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers should include: blood sugar control, removal of dead tissue from the wound, wound dressings, and removing pressure from the wound through techniques such as total contact casting. Surgery in some cases may improve outcomes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also help but is expensive.

What causes diabetic skin ulcers?

Diabetic ulcers are caused by reduced skin moisture, dulled surface sensitivity, and insufficient circulation. Many diabetics battle with these skin conditions on a regular basis and if not properly cared for, they can cause the skin to crack or tear.

Why do diabetics have sores on their feet?

Diabetic foot sore is when the body’s nerves become damaged by the high sugar. The damage that occurs in the nerves, happens all over the body, but is felt most in the feet as they feel the most movement and stress.

What are the stages of diabetic foot ulcer?

When treating diabetic foot ulcers it is important to be aware of the natural history of the diabetic foot, which can be divided into five stages: stage 1, a normal foot; stage 2, a high risk foot; stage 3, an ulcerated foot; stage 4, an infected foot; and stage 5, a necrotic foot.