Effect of Infrared Radiation on Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcer is a worldwide health care problem affecting thousands of patients. If these
ulcers left untreated, they can create severe complications. Objective: Evaluate the effect of infrared
radiation on the healing of diabetic foot ulcer. Setting: The study was conducted at the outpatient
clinics of vascular and diabetic foot of the Alexandria Main University Hospital. Subjects: They
comprised a convenience sample of 50 patients with diabetic foot ulcer grade 1 and 2 (based on
Wagner diabetic foot ulcer grade classification system). Patients were classified into the study and
control groups (n=25 in each group). Tools: Two tools were used for data collection. Tool 1: Diabetic
foot ulcer patient's profile. Tool 2:Wound healing observation check list for patients with diabetic foot
ulcers grade 1 and 2. Results: The results of the current study showed that there was a statistically
significant difference in healing ulcers (P < 0.05) and mean healing time (P < 0.05) between the two
groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that, infrared radiation therapy plus conventional dressing on
diabetic foot ulcers grade 1 and 2, accelerates the ulcer healing, improves granulation tissue
formation and diminishes wound exudation and inflammation. Recommendations: Infrared radiation
therapy should be used in the diabetic outpatient clinics for patients with diabetic foot ulcers grade 1
and 2.

Keywords

Alexandria Scientific Nursing Journal
Volume 19, Issue 2
December 2017
Pages 69-86

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