Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers are the most common cause of nontraumatic amputations and are responsible for 25% of all hospitalizations of patients with diabetes. Poor blood flow due to vascular endothelial dysfunction is considered the underlying cause of this condition. L-arginine is converted in the body to nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator, so supplementation with it may help increase vascular blood flow to ulcerated areas. Ascorbic acid has also been shown to improve endothelial-dependent vasodilation in diabetic patients. Together these nutrients may aid healing of diabetic foot ulcers. The author discusses physiology and topical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. She then briefly describes ingredients in two sample formulations included with the article that may be of assistance, L-Arginine and Ascorbic Acid Hydrating Ulcer Gel, and L-Arginine and Ascorbic Acid in PLO (L-arginine, ascorbic acid, zinc sulfate, methylcellulose, propylene glycol, methylparaben, purified water, poloxamers, lecithin and isopropyl palmitate). She concludes that use of an appropriate topical dressing to treat diabetic foot ulcers can accelerate healing. While further studies are needed to determine the benefit from L-arginine and ascorbic acid, sufficient data exist to imply benefits for the diabetic patient.

Related Keywords

• diabetic foot ulcers
• amputations
• L-arginine
• dry wound
• zinc sulfate
• astringent antiseptic
• antioxidant
• vasodilator
• methylcellulose
• methylparaben
• poloxamers

Related Categories

• DIABETES
• WOUND CARE