Diabetes, Blood Flow and TAPEless

One-third of diabetics greater than age 50 suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD), a disorder obstructing blood flow.  If not treated, consequences can be significant.  Diabetes is the most common cause of non-traumatic leg amputation, over 56,000 per year, while of these 50% are preventable with proper care.

How does a disease seemingly of just high blood sugars, result in devastating events and even yet, how does the use of TAPEless enter into this question?  Chronically elevated levels of blood sugar cause cells that line blood vessels to thicken.  This narrowing, through a reduction in blood flow, may then cause skin ulcers with infection and, in serious cases, lead to tissue loss and gangrene.  These ulcers, often chronic in nature, need careful management: management that may determine the healing or worsening of the wound.  Adhesives are forbidden with diabetics since they cause breaks in the skin's protective mechanisms and thus, may lead to additional wounds.  Furthermore, in the presence of a reduced blood flow, dressing methods that constrict blood flow, (elastic rolls and elastic wraps), are to be avoided.  Moreover, they are dangerous to apply if unable to discern if it is too tight as in the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (abnormal or decreased sensation).

Thus securing of the wound dressing in place plays a significant role in wound healing.  TAPEless dressing holders lack adhesives, are non-constrictive and additionally, are latex free, hypo-allergenic, washable, reusable and breathable.

When faced with the need to care for diabetic ulcers, since care may affect the outcome, remember TAPEless dressing holders as a unique solution.