The Use of Modern Dressing Foam to Accelerate the Epithelialization Process in Patients with Diabetic Ulcers and Impaired Skin Integrity

Abstract

Diabetic ulcers are chronic complications of diabetes mellitus that commonly cause impaired skin integrity, prolonged wound healing, and increased risk of infection and amputation when not managed properly. Wound healing in patients with diabetes is often delayed due to hyperglycemia, neuropathy, peripheral vascular disorders, repeated pressure on the feet, and inadequate wound care. One wound care approach that is widely used today is modern foam dressing based on the principle of moist wound healing. This dressing helps maintain wound moisture, absorb excess exudate, reduce the risk of maceration, protect the wound bed from mechanical trauma, and support epithelialization. This study aimed to describe the application of modern foam dressing in accelerating the epithelialization process in patients with diabetic ulcers. A descriptive case study design was used involving one patient with diabetic ulcer at Alfacare Center Clinic, Bengkulu City. Nursing care was carried out through assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Wound development was assessed using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BJWAT). The results showed wound improvement after three wound care sessions using modern foam dressing. The BJWAT score decreased from 32 to 26, epithelialization increased from less than 25% to 50-75%, exudate decreased, and granulation tissue improved. These findings indicate that modern foam dressing can be an effective dressing alternative to support epithelialization and accelerate wound healing in patients with diabetic ulcers.