Role of Papaya Dressings in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Abstract

Background: To assess the role of papaya dressings in the management of diabetic foot in terms of healing of ulcers.
Methods: In this experimental study patients with diabetic foot (n=43) were included. Initial management included empirical antibiotics, surgical debridement or amputation, control of glycemia and then wound care with the help of papaya dressings. . Dressings were changed after every 48 hours. The wounds were declared healthy when they were filled with healthy granulation tissue and had epithelial growth on their edges
Results: Majority (72.1%) were males. Twenty four (55.8%) were operated for debridement and 19 patients (44.2%) for amputations. After the initial surgical treatment and dressings 88.4% needed no further surgery. Three patients (7%) were operated for further debridement and 2 (4.7%) patients were operated for amputations. Healing time ranged from 18 to 29 days. Mean healing duration was 19.23 days with Standard Deviation (SD) of ± 3.624. Conclusion: Topical papaya dressing provides cost effective and favourable outcome in patients with diabetic foot ulcer by decreasing the healing duration, reducing surgical interventions.