Diabetic Wound Infection: Signs & When to Seek Medical Help

If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing wound infections on the feet. Knowing about common signs and causes of diabetic wound infections can help you make an informed decision. Remember, early intervention of essential medical help can prevent the risk of severe infections or other foot complications. This article will discuss everything you have been looking for. Read on!

Common Signs of Diabetic Wound Infection

Watch out for the following signs of diabetic wound infection to seek on-time medical help:

• Discharge of pus or fluid from the wound
• Skin discolouration
• Swelling
• Intense pain
• Foul smell
• Any noticeable changes to your skin, such as sores, blisters, or cuts.

Causes of Diabetic Wound Infection

Understand the following two causes of the diabetic wound infection: Diabetes-Related Neuropathy:  Damage to nerves below the knee is caused by a persistently high blood sugar level which leads to changes in the foot causing callus in the high pressure areas while patient walks further landing up in foot ulcers in the callus and secondary infection.

• Peripheral Artery Disease: Patients with diabetes are more likely to become victims of peripheral artery disease (PAD). It leads to poor blood circulation in your legs and feet. Reduced blood flow often makes wounded foot tissues harder to heal.

IMMUNOPATHY Diabetic patients have poor capacity to deal the infection due to changes in White blood cells and wound healing mechanism.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you have diabetes, a small wound on your legs and feet can become life-threatening. On-time medical intervention and high blood sugar level management can speed up the slow-healing process. Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Immediately once the wound develops 
• Pain or swelling that gets worse
• Fever or chills
• Redness is increasing around the wound
• A foul smell is coming from the wound
• Pus is discharging from the wound

The delay in treatment can trigger the risk of severe complications including Gangrene which is an urgent medical condition in which a specific area of the body loses its blood supply which makes the part dead. Without prompt medical help, it can be fatal.

Preventative Tips

Here are a few preventative tips you should follow to keep serious wound infections at bay

• Check feet and skin daily for injuries
• Wear comfortable, protective footwear
• Maintain healthy blood sugar levels

Conclusion Avoid overlooking small wounds, cuts, or blisters when you have diabetes. If not treated promptly, they may increase the risk of irreversible complications. Hence, look out for the common signs of infection. And yes, if you notice one or more signs, book an appointment with the Madurai Foot Care Hospital. Early intervention ensures fast, safe, and comfortable recovery.