A 65-year-old diabetic patient presents with a minor abrasion on her foot that doesn't appear to be healing. What should be the next steps?
Poor wound healing can be a complication of diabetes, possibly due to peripheral neuropathy or peripheral arterial disease. It's important to assess the patient's foot carefully, including checking for signs of infection, and to examine the patient's overall foot health and footwear. If there are signs of infection, the patient may need antibiotics. If the wound isn't healing despite appropriate care, or if there are other concerning features like significant peripheral neuropathy or signs of arterial disease, the patient should be referred to a wound care specialist or a podiatrist.