title: Clinical management of diabetic ulcers.
abstract: The presence of neuropathy is the most important factor in the development of a diabetic ulcer, whereas inadequate vascular supply is the most important factor in healing. Diabetic foot ulcers are complex wounds that require a long time to heal. A key element in treating diabetic wounds is to off-load, or remove, pressure from an insensate foot. Topical wound dressings are aimed at providing a moist wound environment. No single dressing has been shown to be superior to another. Clinical infections are common but probably overdiagnosed. The question of how much and how often a diabetic foot wound needs to be debrided is controversial.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatric Medicine, St Louis University Health Science Center, 1402 South Grand Boulevard, St Louis, MO 63104, USA. thomasdr@slu.edu
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001458:Bandages; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local