Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care Singapore | Wound Management Guide | EMIS+

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes, affecting approximately 15-25% of people with diabetes during their lifetime. Proper wound care, offloading, and infection management are critical for healing and preventing lower extremity amputation.

Understanding Diabetic Foot Ulcers

DFUs develop due to a combination of peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation), peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation), and elevated plantar pressure. Minor trauma that goes unnoticed due to neuropathy can progress to ulceration, infection, and in severe cases, amputation.

Evidence-Based Management

Clinical guidelines from the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) and the American Diabetes Association recommend:

  • Offloading: Total contact casts or removable cast walkers to reduce plantar pressure
  • Wound bed preparation: Debridement, moisture balance, and infection control
  • Infection management: Cultures and targeted antibiotic therapy for clinically infected wounds
  • Vascular assessment: Ankle-brachial index and toe pressures to evaluate perfusion
  • Advanced therapies: Negative pressure wound therapy, bioengineered skin substitutes, and hyperbaric oxygen for refractory wounds

EMIS+ Wound Care Products for DFUs

EMIS+ carries a comprehensive range of products for diabetic foot ulcer management, including:

  • Offloading footwear and casts
  • Advanced dressings: Foams, alginates, hydrofibers, and antimicrobial dressings
  • Negative pressure wound therapy systems
  • Wound cleansers and antiseptics
  • Compression therapy for concurrent venous disease

Prevention is Key

Daily foot inspection, proper footwear, regular podiatry visits, and glycemic control are essential for preventing DFUs. Individuals with diabetes should have annual foot examinations by a healthcare professional.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a wound care specialist or podiatrist for personalized DFU management.