Resource Guide 2004
FOR TYPE 1/TYPE 2
Wound Gels and Prescription Lotions
by Julie C. Grady
Foot care is a key element of diabetes care. By inspecting your feet daily and seeking professional help immediately if your foot develops red spots, injuries, or deformities, you can prevent many serious foot problems from developing. But sometimes problems do occur, and when they do they can lead to infections and ulcers. Every infection and ulcer should be a cause for alarm; neglected, they can lead to the loss of a limb.
This year's Resource Guide introduces a new special section on wound care gels and prescription lotions. These gels and lotions are formulated to either protect the feet or to assist the healing of wounds and ulcers. All are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Please note: Although wound care gels can be used at home, you should never attempt to treat a serious foot problem by yourself. If you develop an ulcer or an infection, even a small one, see your health care provider immediately. Wound care gels should only be used with good wound-care practices, which include debridement (removal of dead tissue), systematic treatment of wound infections, and keeping off the affected foot.
Wound Gels and Prescription Lotions
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Name and Manufacturer |
Description |
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Iamin Gel
(Procyte Corporation)
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Hydrating gel that contains copper peptide, which provides a moist healing environment and increased collagen synthesis for jump starting the healing process. Indicated for acute and chronic wounds; including pressure sores; diabetic, venous, or mixed etiology leg ulcers; minor burns; donor sites; and traumatic and surgical wounds. Web site: www.procyte.com.
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L.A.M. IPM Wound Gel
(L.A.M. Pharmaceuticals)
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The main active ingredient of this gel is hyaluronic acid (2.5 percent), a substance naturally present in all vertebrates (creatures that have spinal columns). L.A.M. IPM Wound Gel delivers the derivative sodium hyaluronate to the ulcer bed, providing an optimal environment for wound healing to occur. It is indicated for use in minor abrasions and lacerations, leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic ulcers.
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Regranex
(OrthoMcNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.)
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This gel contains a genetically engineered platelet-derived growth factor, one of the proteins the body produces to encourage new tissue growth. The gel should only be used with good wound care practices, which include debridement to remove dead tissue, systematic treatment of wound infections, and staying off the infected foot. Side effects may include irritation and rash at the ulcer site. Web site: www.regranex.com.
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LAClotion 12% Lotion
(Paddock Labs)
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Prescription lotion indicated for the treatment of dry skin conditions that can also be associated with diabetes. LAClotion helps maintain skin moisture or restores moisture to dry skin. Web site: www.paddocklabs.com.
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