Ask The Expert
Complications
Leg Ulcers Not Healing
My husband is diabetic. He has ulcers on his lower right leg that don’t seem to be healing. Is there anything he can do to help it heal faster? I am very concerned because he had a staph infection in the left leg and had to have it removed in 1998. Is there a need to be concerned about staph now? Please send me information on this subject and staph infection also. Thank you very much.
Commonly, healing leg ulcers will require a team approach, with these components:
- A doctor supervising the wound care, while also paying special attention to making sure the diabetes is in good control. High blood glucose can interfere with and delay healing.
- Sometimes a vascular surgeon is needed, to assess the circulation.
- Sometimes Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment is used; many hospitals have this type of treatment available.
- There are various wound care centers that take care of diabetes problems. You may want to ask your doctor or your local hospital if there is a wound center near you.
Poor healing of ulcers is serious, but there are many things that can be done. Of course I am not able to assess your husband's situation, and I would encourage you to discuss these issues with your husband's doctor right away to see what is the best treatment for him.
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DOC09358-Rev-B 04/09