Dermagraft Helps Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Helping to Grow New Skin

Dermagraft is a dissolvable mesh material that contains human connective tissue cells called fibroblasts. Dermagraft is placed directly on the ulcer, where the mesh and fibroblasts are gradually absorbed. Fibroblasts produce many of the same factors found in healthy skin. As the fibroblasts attach and grow in the wound, they help replace and rebuild the damaged parts in the foot.

Dermagraft can be used on the following types of ulcers:

• Full-thickness diabetic foot ulcers that have been present for longer than six weeks
• Ulcers that extend deeper into the skin where the blood vessels are, but do not involve tendon, muscle, joint capsule, or bone

When Not to Use Dermagraft

There are certain cases when Dermagraft should not be used, such as:

• Infected ulcers
• Ulcers with sinus tracts (tunneling)
• For people who are allergic to products derived from cows (there is bovine serum in the packaging solution)

The Importance of Careful Foot Care

People with diabetes are more llikely to develop foot problems such as:

• Changes in the skin of the feet, specifically drying and cracking
• Nerve damage, which decreases feeling in the feet and allows wounds to occur unnoticed
• Poor circulation, which makes fighting infection difficult

These problems make them more susceptable to sores. If you have diabetes, inspect your feet every day, and seek care right away if you have a foot injury. Also, have your feet checked by your health care provider at least once a year.