Diabetic Foot Ulcer Stages: 4 Treatment Recommendations

If you are a diabetic, then you know that one of the potential dangers of the disease is developing foot ulcers.

Photo by Nino Liverani on Unsplash

Foot ulcers can form when damage to the skin and underlying tissue goes untreated, and this can lead to infection, amputation, and even death. While foot ulcers cannot always be prevented, it is important to understand their stages in order to get treatment as soon as possible.

In this article, we'll discuss the four diabetic foot ulcer stages, as well as treatment recommendations for each stage. So, keep reading for more information!

Stage 1

The first stage of a diabetic foot ulcer is when the skin breaks down, and an open sore starts to form. This might be caused by trauma, such as ill-fitting shoes or poor blood circulation.

At this stage, it is crucial to clean the wound daily with soap and water. You also need to apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage. If the ulcer is on your foot, you should not walk on it barefoot. It is also important to see your doctor as soon as possible so that they can assess the situation and determine if you need any further treatment.

Stage 2 

The second stage of a diabetic foot ulcer is when the open sore starts to deepen and damage the underlying tissue. This stage is more serious because it increases the risk of infection.

At this stage, you should still clean the wound daily and apply an antibiotic ointment. You also need to cover the wound with a clean bandage. In addition, you should elevate the wound so that it is above the level of your heart. This will help to decrease swelling.

You should also see your doctor right away so that they can prescribe oral antibiotics if necessary.

Stage 3 

The third stage of a diabetic foot ulcer is when the sore starts to tunnel under the skin. This can happen when the ulcer does not heal properly and starts to get worse. If this happens, it is important to see your doctor right away.

S/he will likely prescribe oral antibiotics and refer you to a wound care specialist. The specialist will clean the wound and remove any dead tissue. They may also prescribe a medicated cream or ointment to help healing.

Stage 4 

The fourth stage of a diabetic foot ulcer is when the sore has developed into a full-blown infection. This stage is very serious and can lead to amputation if not treated properly.

At this stage, you will likely be hospitalized so that the infection can be treated with intravenous antibiotics. You may also need surgery to clean the wound and remove any dead tissue. After you are released from the hospital, you will need to continue taking oral antibiotics at home and see your doctor regularly so that they can monitor the healing process.

Although DFUs can be a serious complication for people living with diabetes, early recognition and treatment can often lead to complete healing.

Don't Leave DFUs Untreated

Although DFUs can be a serious complication for those living with diabetes, early recognition and treatment can often lead to complete healing. If you're experiencing the symptoms of a DFU, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

We hope that our recommendations will help guide you through the healing process, but remember that these are just general guidelines – always talk to your doctor for specific instructions. With proper treatment, most DFUs will heal completely!