Options For Treating Diabetic Ulcers

Antibiotics And Anti-Clotting Medication

Both antibiotics and anti-clotting medication are useful in the treatment of foot ulcers. Antibiotics, which can be taken orally or applied topically, help fight infection and allow wounds to heal more quickly. In very early stages, an over-the-counter ointment containing antibiotics like neomycin may help heal the ulcer. A doctor can recommend more powerful antibiotics if needed.

Anti-clotting medication prevents blood clots and is particularly helpful if a foot ulcer has advanced deep into the skin. Many patients with diabetes may already take anticoagulants for other reasons. Doctors can prescribe different anti-clotting medication to help with foot ulcers, and they may also recommend a change in the patient's normal dose of the usual anticoagulants during this time. In the most advanced cases of foot ulcers, intravenous anticoagulants and antibiotics may be needed to help the ulcer heal. Some of the most commonly used anticoagulants include heparin, warfarin, and rivaroxaban.

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