What is the Difference Between Diabetic Ulcer and Pressure Ulcer

An ulcer is an open sore or wound on the external or internal surface of the body caused by a break in the skin or mucous membrane that fails to heal, ranging from mild to severe. Diabetic ulcers and pressure ulcers are two distinct types of ulcers.

The key difference between diabetic ulcer and pressure ulcer is their underlying cause. A diabetic ulcer is an open sore or wound on the foot of a person with diabetes mellitus, while a pressure ulcer is an open sore or wound on areas such as the ankles, back, buttocks, elbows, heels, hips, or tailbone, typically affecting older, immobile, or bedridden individuals.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Diabetic Ulcer  
3. What is a Pressure Ulcer
4. Similarities – Diabetic Ulcer and Pressure Ulcer
5. Diabetic Ulcer vs Pressure Ulcer in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Diabetic Ulcer vs Pressure Ulcer
7. FAQ – Diabetic Ulcer and Pressure Ulcer

What is a Diabetic Ulcer?

Diabetic ulcers, also known as diabetes foot ulcers, are complications of diabetes that arise when the condition is not properly managed through methods such as diet, exercise, and insulin therapy. These ulcers commonly occur under the big toes and balls of the feet, potentially extending to affect the bones. Symptoms include foot drainage, the formation of black tissue called eschar, partial or complete gangrene, odorous discharge, pain, numbness, and skin discoloration. Causes of diabetic ulcers include poor circulation, high blood sugar, nerve damage, and irritation or wounds on the feet.

Diabetic ulcers can be diagnosed through physical examination, biopsy, and imaging tests like X-ray. Furthermore, treatment options for diabetic ulcers may include foot baths, disinfecting the skin around an ulcer, keeping the ulcer dry with frequent dressing changes, enzyme therapy, and dressings containing calcium alginates to inhibit bacterial growth.

What is a Pressure Ulcer?

A pressure ulcer (bed sore) is an open sore or wound that occurs from prolonged pressure on the skin. Normally, people who are immobile for long periods, such as those who are bedridden or use a wheelchair, are at a higher risk for bed sores. Pressure ulcer occurs when pressure reduces or cuts off blood flow to the skin. The signs and symptoms of this condition may include pain, itchiness, dulled sensations, skin looking red or pink, shallow wound with a red or pink base, wound penetrating all three layers of skin, and oozing pus when infected.

Pressure ulcers can be diagnosed through physical examination, biopsy, blood culture, X-ray and MRI. Furthermore, pressure ulcers can be treated through irrigating or cleaning the wound with soap or saline water, dressing the wound, using medications such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, and pain relievers, and debridement.

Similarities Between Diabetic Ulcer and Pressure Ulcer

1. Diabetic ulcers and pressure ulcers are two different types of ulcers.
2. Both may have similar symptoms, such as swollen areas, red or pink discoloration, drainage of pus, etc.
3. Both can be diagnosed through physical examination, biopsy, and imaging tests.
4. They can be treated through medications and surgical procedures.

Difference Between Diabetic Ulcer and Pressure Ulcer

Definition

1. A diabetic ulcer is a complication of diabetes that occurs when the condition is not properly managed through methods like diet, exercise, and insulin therapy.
2. A pressure ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops from prolonged pressure on the skin.

Caused

1. Diabetic ulcers are caused by factors such as poor circulation, high blood sugar, nerve damage, and irritated or wounded feet.
2. Pressure ulcers occur when pressure reduces or cuts off blood flow to the skin.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Diabetic ulcers may present with drainage from the foot, formation of black tissue, partial or complete gangrene, odorous discharge, pain, numbness, and skin discoloration.
2. Pressure ulcers may show symptoms such as pain, itchiness, dulled sensations, red or pink skin, shallow wounds with a red or pink base, wounds penetrating all three layers of skin, and oozing pus when infected.

Diagnosis

1. Diabetic ulcers are diagnosed through a physical examination, biopsy, and imaging tests like X-ray.
2. Pressure ulcers are diagnosed through a physical examination, biopsy, blood culture, X-ray, and MRI.

Treatment

1. Treatment for diabetic ulcers may involve foot baths, disinfecting the skin around the ulcer, keeping the ulcer dry with frequent dressing changes, enzyme therapy, and dressings containing calcium alginates to inhibit bacterial growth.
2. Treatment for pressure ulcers may include irrigating or cleaning the wound with soap or saline water, dressing the wound, medications such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, and pain relievers, and debridement.

The infographic below presents the difference between diabetic ulcer and pressure ulcer in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Diabetic Ulcer vs Pressure Ulcer

Diabetic ulcers and pressure ulcers are two distinct types of ulcers. While they may share similar symptoms, such as swollen skin areas, red or pink discoloration, and drainage of pus, they differ in their locations and underlying causes. A diabetic ulcer is an open sore or wound found on the foot of a person with diabetes mellitus, whereas a pressure ulcer occurs on areas such as the ankles, back, buttocks, elbows, heels, hips, and tailbone, typically affecting older, immobile, or bedridden individuals. Thus, this summary highlights the key differences between diabetic ulcer and pressure ulcer.

FAQ: Diabetic Ulcer and Pressure Ulcer

1. What causes diabetic ulcers?

• Diabetic ulcers are a serious complication caused by a combination of poor circulation resulting from high blood sugar levels or diabetes. Limited blood circulation to the wounded area impedes the body’s ability to heal skin wounds.

2. What are the first signs of a diabetic ulcer?

• Symptoms of diabetic ulcers may include redness, itching, burning, and irritation. Discomfort and pain may also occur, particularly if peripheral diabetic neuropathy is not present. Other signs and symptoms include foot drainage, the formation of black tissue called eschar, partial or complete gangrene, odorous discharge, pain, numbness, and skin discoloration.

3. What causes pressure sores?

• Pressure ulcers can result from external pressure or friction on the skin, and they can develop in anyone. This pressure diminishes or halts blood flow to the skin, typically becoming problematic for individuals who have difficulty moving.

4. How do you manage pressure sores?

• Management strategies include using special pillows, foam cushions, booties, or mattress pads to alleviate pressure, frequent changes in position, especially for wheelchair users, taking pain medications, and considering surgical procedures.

5. What is the difference between a leg ulcer and a pressure ulcer?

• A leg ulcer is a skin break below the knee that remains unhealed for more than two weeks, while a pressure ulcer refers to localized damage to the skin or underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure.

Reference:

1. “Diabetic Foot Ulcers.” Healthline, Healthline Media.

2. “Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): Symptoms, Staging & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Diabetes Foot Ulcers” By BruceBlaus – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Pressure Ulcer Sites” By BruceBlaus – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia