Diabetic Ulcers - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

1. What is a Diabetic Ulcer?
2. Where Does An Ulcer Appear?
3. What are the Symptoms of a Diabetic Ulcer?
4. Complications of Untreated Diabetic Ulcers
5. Do You Have To Be Diabetic To Have Ulcers?
6. What Causes Diabetic Ulcers?
7. Diagnosing A Diabetic Ulcer
8. How to Prevent Diabetic Ulcers?
9. How to Treat Diabetic Ulcers?
10. Conclusion

A neurogenic ulcer is also known as a diabetic ulcer. Diabetic ulcers are generally found on the bottom of the foot and can occur on either or both feet. Other areas that can be affected include the legs, hands, and even in the folds of skin, around or on the stomach. Diabetic ulcers can be painful. Many people feel embarrassed by their appearance, in addition to the physical pain they experience.

A typical diabetic ulcer on the foot looks like a red sore that manifests in the surface of the skin and can form in a variety of areas. However, sores can occur deeper in the skin. A deep foot ulcer can extend to the tendons and bones of the feet and must be treated quickly. If the condition worsens, the diabetic ulcer will likely become infected.

There are many different kinds of ulcers. While peptic ulcers form in the stomach or upper intestine lining, ulcers can also occur almost anywhere on the body.

Ulcers that are found outside the body can include leg and foot ulcers. These ulcers are generally swollen or tender and can cause itchiness or pain. Skin discoloration and changes in texture are also common in ulcers found outside the body.

Whether they are found inside or on the skin's surface, ulcers are sores that are often slow to heal. Once they have disappeared, ulcers can return if not treated properly. Depending on the cause of the ulcers, they can require different treatment options.

Diabetic ulcers commonly appear on the feet and can be a major health concern for individuals with diabetes. They often start as small blisters or cuts, but can progress to larger, open sores if left untreated. These ulcers typically have a reddish base, sometimes with yellowish tissue, and can be surrounded by callused or discolored skin. Swelling, drainage, and foul odor may also be present.

Since diabetic ulcers often occur on the foot, pain can usually be felt while walking or standing. Wounds that come from diabetic ulcers may look like craters and can leak if they become infected. While the signs of a diabetic ulcer may seem obvious, but to many, they are not.

Diabetic ulcers can be complicated by poor circulation. When the blood does not properly circulate throughout the body, the effects can vary from mild to severe. One problem that can commonly occur with diabetes is the loss of sensation created from poor blood circulation. When the foot becomes desensitized to pain, detecting a diabetic ulcer can be much more difficult.

Poor circulation can also slow the healing process of a foot wound. While some scars may heal without treatment, diabetic ulcers are more likely to become infected. When this happens, the wound may look slightly different from a regular skin ulcer.

An infected diabetic ulcer can create symptoms such as swelling, an elevated skin temperature when touched, and pain. Pus, a foul odor, and other “secondary wound” signs are also common in a diabetic ulcer infection.

If a diabetic ulcer is not adequately treated, the risk of infection can significantly increase. Abscesses, the spread of disease, gangrene, and eventual amputation are all possible outcomes of poorly treated or neglected diabetic ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcers can quickly become severe conditions. By treating them as soon as possible, the condition can be remedied before the chance of infection. Serious wounds will not go away on their own and will require prompt attention.

Fortunately, diabetic ulcers can be easily detected. Unlike ulcers that form on the inside of the body, these wounds can be seen and felt. A diabetic ulcer's symptoms include foot pain, discoloration or numbness, and a deepening wound that will not heal with time. Diabetic ulcers occur in those who have diabetes. The diagnosis of diabetes combined with painful wounds on the bottom of the feet is a good indication that a diabetic ulcer needs treatment.

Ulcers can happen to almost anyone. Since there are a variety of different ulcers, many individuals can find themselves needing treatment at some point in their life. Diabetic ulcers, however, are specific to those who have diabetes.

There are two types of diabetes: diabetes 1 and diabetes 2. Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed when a person is unable to produce insulin. Because the body cannot produce any insulin at all, those diagnosed with this type of diabetes must rely on insulin injections to stay alive. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the individual produces but cannot helpfully respond to insulin.

Those who are diagnosed with either type 1 or 2 diabetes are at risk for diabetic ulcers. Because diabetes can reduce nerve functioning due to its neuropathy, nerves that are typically used to send pain sensation to the brain from the feet cannot function properly. Not only does this mean that a foot ulcer may go unnoticed, but in conjunction with reduced blood flow, diabetic ulcers are less likely to heal without proper treatment.