Diabetic Wound Care Basics | Wound Warriors | Episode I

In this episode of Wound Warriors, find out the basics of caring for a diabetic ulcer at home. Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith discusses how to clean your wound, how to re-dress your wound, and indications you need to see a doctor immediately.

Disclaimer: The information, advice, and views shared in this interview are that of the individual speakers and are offered for educational and informational purposes only.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Don't act on any information provided in this interview without the explicit consent of your own healthcare provider who knows your situation best.

If you think you are having a medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room or dial 911.

Cleaning your wound

Put on a new pair of non-sterile gloves.
Use a clean, soft washcloth to gently clean your wound with warm water and soap. Your wound should not bleed much when you are cleaning it. A small amount of blood is OK.
Rinse your wound with water. Gently pat it dry with a clean towel. DO NOT rub it dry. In some cases, you can even rinse the wound while showering.
Check the wound for increased redness, swelling, or a bad odor.
Pay attention to the color and amount of drainage from your wound. Look for drainage that has become darker or thicker.
After cleaning your wound, remove your gloves and put them in the plastic bag with the old dressing and gloves.
Wash hands again


Re dressing your wound

Put on a new pair of non-sterile gloves.
Pour saline into a clean bowl. Place gauze pads and any packing tape you will use in the bowl.
Squeeze the saline from the gauze pads or packing tape until it is no longer dripping.
Place the gauze pads or packing tape in your wound. Carefully fill in the wound and any spaces under the skin.
Cover the wet gauze or packing tape with a large dry dressing pad. Use tape or rolled gauze to hold this dressing in place.
Put all used supplies in the plastic bag. Close it securely, then put it in a second plastic bag, and close that bag securely. Put it in the trash.
Wash your hands again when you are finished.

When to call a doctor

Worsening redness
More pain
Swelling
Bleeding
It is larger or deeper
It looks dried out or dark
The drainage is increasing
The drainage has a bad smell
Also call your doctor if:

Your temperature is 100.5°F (38°C), or higher, for more than 4 hours
Drainage is coming from or around the wound
Drainage is not decreasing after 3 to 5 days
Drainage is increasing
Drainage becomes thick, tan, yellow, or smells bad

свернуть