Wound dressings represent a part of the management of
diabetic foot ulceration. Ideally, dressings should alleviate symptoms, provide
wound protection, and encourage healing. No single dressing fulfills all the requirements of a diabetic patient with an infected
foot ulcer. Dressings research in this area is generally poor. However, each category of dressings has particular characteristics that aid selection. Nonadhesive dressings are simple, inexpensive, and well tolerated. Foam and
alginate dressings are highly absorbent and effective for heavily exuding
wounds.
Hydrogels facilitate
autolysis and may be beneficial in managing
ulcers containing necrotic tissue. Dressings containing inidine and
silver may aid in managing
wound infection.
Occlusive dressings should be avoided for infected
wounds. All dressings require frequent change for
wound inspection. Heavily exudating
ulcers require frequent change to reduce maceration of surrounding skin. Dressing choice should be guided by the characteristics of the
ulcer, the requirements of the patient, and costs.