Statistics show that 6 out of 7 diabetic leg patients require an amputation for something which started as a simple wound, despite the fact that 85 percent of the wound can be prevented or handled so that it does not become a serious problem, he added.
"Right now the development of science in wound treatment has managed to stem the number of amputations. The use of various modern dressings to handle infection and to keep the wound humid is also needed. Because while the wound is humid, new tissue growth will become more optimal and the wound closing process by the new skin cell can happen more quickly," Ramadhinara explained in a statement issued on Saturday.
Ramadhinara, who works at the Heartology Cardiovascular Center, also said he does not recommend the use of gauze to cover diabetic leg wounds.
A gauze cannot preserve humidity around the wound and could raise the risk of infection, he cautioned.
According to one study, bacteria can penetrate up to 64 layers of gauze, he said. This makes gauze a less-than-ideal wound cover, he added.
In addition, diabetic patients must control blood sugar levels to ensure leg wounds heal properly. During treatment, the leg must also be rested and not be used, he said.
At the moment, wound treatment prioritizes a multi-disciplinary approach, Ramadhinara said, adding that in the case of a diabetic leg, wound treatment can be handled by wound specialists.
However, when vascular occlusion occurs in the leg, then a vascular specialist is needed to fix the blood flow for optimal recovery, he said.
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Translator: Arnidhya Zhafira, Fadhli Ruhma
Editor: Sri Haryati
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