Chitosan treatment for skin ulcers associated with diabetes

Abstract

Infections, ulcerations, gangrene and, in severe cases, extremity amputation, are common complications among diabetic subjects. Various biomaterials have been utilized for the treatment of these lesions. Chitosan is an amino sugar with a low risk of toxicity and immune response. In this study, we evaluated chitosan topical gel and film treatments for subjects with diabetic ulcerations and wounds associated with diabetes mellitus. In a pre-experimental design, we described the result of chitosan gel and film treatment for wounds and skin ulcers among patients with long-standing diabetes mellitus. We studied 8 diabetic patients with wounds and skin ulcers (long duration and Wagner degree 1-2). Initially, most lesions had some degree of infection, tissue damage and ulceration. At the end of the treatment (topical chitosan) period, the infections were cured. All patients experienced a significant improvement in the initial injury and developed granulation tissue and a healthy skin cover. This report represents one of the few published clinical experience regarding the chitosan for the treatment of skin lesions among diabetic subjects. These results are relevant and promising for the treatment of this disease.

Characterization and efficacy of chitosan membranes in the treatment of skin ulcers

“…Patients with a variety of ulcers were studied from November 2014 to March 2015 at the Sports Medicine Clinic of the Sonora Institute of Technology in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Northwest Mexico. All patients and staff involved with the study confirmed their participation through informed consent [25].…”

Efficacy of chitosan in the treatment of chronic skin lesions in a horse: A case report

“…Chitosan is a biopolymer that helps the healing process ( Escárcega-Galaz et al., 2018 ). Structurally, it is a linear, two-monomer polysaccharide, (1-4)-2-amino-2-deoxy-β-D-glucan (D-glucosamine) and (1-4)-2-acetamide-2-deoxy-β-D-glucan (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine).…”

Electrospun and co-electrospun biopolymer nanofibers for skin wounds on diabetic patients: an overview

“…To overcome the problems described, there is a need for research on new materials that can help the wound healing process for diabetic patients. Escárcega-Galaz et al 3 proposed a chitosan hydrogel for skin ulcers on diabetic feet (skin ulcer in the foot), and applied the treatment once every two days for three months. At the end of the study, the patients showed considerable healing of the wounds.…”