Ulcer Information and Tips

Decubitus Ulcers (Bed Sores)

What is a decubitus ulcer and how is it caused?

A decubitus ulcer, also called bed sore or pressure ulcer, occurs on the skin. They are caused by intense pressure on the skin over a long period of time. The pressure affects the blood vessels of the skin and tissues beneath. The tissues then die because they are deprived of the necessary blood circulation that supplies them with oxygen.

Pressure ulcers mainly affect chronically ill people that have to stay in bed for a long period of time. A poor blood circulation due to immobility can also promote the development of a decubitus ulcer.

The following factors further promote the development of a decubitus ulcer:

• Poor nutrition
• Weight Loss
• Diabetes
• Poor Hygiene
• Dehydration

A pressure ulcer can develop in as little as 8 hours.

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Diabetic Wound and Diabetic Foot and Leg Ulcers

What are diabetic ulcers and what causes them?

15% of all diabetics in the US will suffer from serious ulcers on their feet at some point in their lives. Ulceration and infection of those diabetic wounds can eventually lead to amputation of some toes, the foot or even the leg.

There are three major causes for diabetic foot ulcers: Poor circulation, a low immune system and neuropathy.

Neuropathy means that often the nerves of diabetics are damaged. Therefore many injuries are not noticed early enough and remain untreated. Once a diabetic foot or leg ulcer gets noticed it has often already developed into a more complicated diabetic wound.

The poor circulation of most diabetics causes a deficiency of oxygen, especially in the feet. Oxygen however is needed for maintaining the feet healthy and providing them with essential nutrients. Poor circulation can also cause skin to become thinner and therefore more delicate and prone to injuries.

In addition the white blood cells of diabetics are weakened and have difficulty in fighting bacteria. In general diabetics have a lower immune system. Therefore they catch up infections much faster and existing ulcers can develop into complicated infected wounds.

How are diabetic foot and leg ulcers prevented?

In order to prevent diabetic foot ulcers diabetics should see their podiatric foot surgeon regularly and try to always wear comfortable footwear with enough space for their toes.

Leather shoes are recommended as they adapt to the form of the feet and leave them enough room. Adequate cushioning is also important. In addition to that shoes need to be checked before wearing for any foreign objects inside of them. Also shoes need to be changed frequently throughout the day in order not to create a pressure on the feet and interrupt blood circulation.

At the end of the day diabetics should examine their feet thoroughly for any injuries or irritations. Thereby they can find out which shoes are working for them and which shoes to discard.

The same guidelines have to be followed for socks. Seamless socks that are not tight are the best choice for diabetics. That way the socks do not interfere with the blood circulation. 

Moreover, diabetics should not walk bare feet and avoid open-toed shoes. When bumping into objects serious injuries or infections could be caused.

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