Diabetes makes a person susceptible to various skin complaints. One of the most common complaints is foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers refer to an open sore that can form on the feet in individuals with diabetes. Diabetes damages the nerves in the feet (peripheral neuropathy), resulting in a decreased sensation of pain in the feet. This can make feet more susceptible to injury, as diabetics may not feel a sharp object hitting the feet. In addition, wound healing is also delayed. In addition, dry skin in diabetics can cause calluses (thick, hard area of skin) on the feet. If this callus is scraped through repeated friction, it can lead to the formation of ulcers. Diabetes also damages blood vessels that reduce blood flow to the lower extremities. This increases the risk of infection in ulcers. Infected foot ulcers are quite serious and require immediate treatment. If not treated promptly and properly, they can lead to serious damage that may require amputation. The signs of foot ulcers include drainage of fluid from the affected foot area. This is accompanied by redness and swelling. Irritation may be felt. A foul odor comes from the ulcer. Pain or numbness may occur. In severe cases, a black area develops around the ulcer due to a lack of adequate blood supply. Tissue death, called gangrene, may occur around the ulcer. In addition to infection and gangrene, other complications include cellulitis (deep infection of the skin by bacteria) and osteomyelitis (severe bone infection). There are certain factors that increase the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. These include poor control of diabetes, having foot deformities that place high pressure on the feet resulting in calluses, poor foot hygiene, wearing ill-fitting shoes, not properly trimming toenails, using tobacco and obesity. Some measures can be taken to reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers, such as controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing properly fitting footwear, properly trimming toenails, changing socks regularly and quitting with smoking, in case this is a habit.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathic medicines can be very helpful in treating diabetic foot ulcers. They help in healing skin ulcers and controlling the associated signs and symptoms such as redness, discharge, foul odor, itching, burning sensation, etc. These are natural medicines that provide healing without side effects. There are no specific medicines for diabetic foot ulcers in homeopathy and the most suitable medicine should be chosen individually from the list of generally indicated medicines for foot ulcers, according to the details of the case. Homeopathic medicines are indicated only for mild cases of diabetic foot ulcers. Always consider using a homeopathic medicine after consulting a homeopathic doctor. Under no circumstances should self-medication be carried out. The severe cases require immediate treatment and should be treated with the conventional treatment method to avoid serious consequences. In such cases, homeopathy does not provide any help.
Homeopathic medicines for diabetic foot ulcers
1. Arsenicum album – For ulcers with a burning sensation
Arsenic Album is a very useful drug for the treatment of ulcers accompanied by a burning sensation. Sores may develop on the soles of the feet or toes. This medicine is also indicated if blisters develop on the soles of the feet at night with fluid discharge. The discharge is yellow colored and has a foul odor. In addition to the above complaints, the soles of the feet feel as if they are made of wood. The soles of the feet feel cold. Swelling and itching of the feet may be present. There may be pain in the soles.
2. Graphite – For crusty ulcers
Graphite is of great use when there is a tendency to form ulcers easily. There is a slow healing of skin lesions. In cases where this is necessary, crusty ulcers are formed on the feet. They ooze watery discharge or blood-stained pus. It has a bad smell. Itching and pain are felt in the ulcers, along with inflammation. A stabbing sensation may be felt. There is excessive sweating of the feet.
3. Fluoric Acid – For foot ulcers around the joints
This medicine is indicated for ulcers on the foot, especially those around the joints. In cases where this is necessary, the ulcers are painful. There is an increase in pain intensity due to heat. There is relief from the cold. The edges of the ulcer may be red. Vesicles (small fluid-filled eruptions) may be present around the ulcers. Discharge may appear from the ulcers. A burning sensation is also felt in the feet. Subsequently, there may be stitching pain in the soles. Pain is felt between the toes.
4. Kali Bichrome – For irregular sores after an abrasion
This medicine is useful when a swelling-like knot follows an abrasion (an area of the skin damaged by scraping) that quickly turns into an irregular ulcer. The ulcer is painful to the touch and is covered with a dry crust. The ulcers are yellow and oval-shaped. The center of the ulcer is red. The base is hard. The ulcer may be deep with regular edges.
5. Merc Sol – For ulcers with inflamed and raised margins
This medicine is indicated for ulcers with inflamed and raised edges. It is accompanied by a stabbing pain. The ulcers are flat and superficial. The base of the ulcers is whitish gray. They may secrete thin fluid and sometimes ooze blood. The complaint is worsened by heat.
6. Lycopodium – For treating ulcers with hard red shiny edges
Lycopodium is a useful drug for treating ulcers with red, hard and shiny edges. There is inflammation and swelling around the painful ulcers. There is usually a tearing or shooting pain in the ulcers at night. Itching is also present with these ulcers. A burning sensation may also be felt. A thin discharge may be released. A foul odor comes from the sores. Sometimes bleeding occurs.
7. Carbolic Acid – To treat ulcers that emit a very foul odor
This medicine is valuable for treating ulcers on the feet that emit a very strong foul odor. There is a burning sensation in the ulcers. Stinky sweat appears on the feet and they feel heavy, along with the above-mentioned characteristics.
8. Phosphorus – For ulcers with thin pus discharge
Phosphorus is another important drug for treating foot ulcers. It is indicated for the treatment of ulcers that ooze a thin, pus-like discharge. There is redness around the sores. There is a burning and stinging sensation in the ulcers.
9. Pulsatilla – For ulcers with burning and itching
This medicine is indicated for ulcers with burning and itching around the periphery. There is a prickling feeling. The edges are red and hard. There is inflammation around the edges. The ulcers are flat. Pain in the ulcers can be of the aching or shooting type.
10. Petroleum – For the formation of ulcers on the toes
Petroleum is an effective medicine for treating cases of ulcers on the toes. The ulcers are flat and the edges are hard and raised. The sores are moist with a red base. Feet can become swollen. There is annoying sweating on the feet.