Use of natural extracts and oils in healing superficial diabetic foot ulcer

Diabetic foot ulcers are common and serious complications of diabetes, and they are associated with infections, amputations, and high morbidity. Treatment requires effective strategies to promote healing and prevent recurrence. Compounds containing natural extracts and oils have been widely used to promote tissue repair.

To describe the healing process of superficial diabetic foot ulcers in the absence of peripheral arterial disease and infection in individuals treated with a compound based on natural extracts and oils.

Between May 2024 and June 2024, a retrospective, documentary, and quantitative study evaluating the efficacy of a compound based on natural extracts and oils in healing superficial diabetic foot ulcers (in the absence of peripheral arterial disease and infection) was conducted at a nursing unit that specializes in clinical podiatry. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The study received ethical approval.

The medical records of 9 participants with a total of 12 treated lesions were analyzed. There were 7 male and 2 female participants, with a mean patient age of 64 years. The superficial diabetic foot ulcers were mainly located in the metatarsal heads and hallux regions. Of the 12 lesions, 75% (n = 9) achieved complete healing, while 25% (n = 3) did not completely heal but did show improvement.

The use of a compound based on natural extracts and oils in the treatment of superficial diabetic foot ulcers in the absence of peripheral arterial disease and infection resulted in favorable outcomes in the healing process, according to the validated assessment tool used, the pressure ulcer scale for healing (PUSH) score.