The Benefit of Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Reduce Foot Ulcer Grade among Diabetic Patients: A New Dressing Method

Abstract

Background: In patients with diabetes, diabetic foot ulcers are a significant and frequent consequence that can, in extreme situations, result in the amputation of the lower limbs. This study looked at the impact of a new dressing technique that uses apple cider vinegar on diabetes patients to reduce foot ulcer severity and grade.

Aim: This study aims to examine the effects of using apple cider vinegar dressing to reduce foot ulcer grade among diabetic patients.

Methods & materials: A quasi-experimental study conducted at Imam Al-Hassan Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes in holy Kerbala governorate during the period from 26th September 2022 to 12th June 2023.The study sample consist of0 patients with diabetic foot ulcer were divided into two groups: 30patients were assigned in the intervention group and 30 in the control group. Patients in the intervention group were followed to apply apple cider vinegar dressing, while in the control group only received routine conventional care.

Results: The result indicate that the mean score of diabetic foot ulcer grade of control group is 4.07±0.30 and the mean score of study group is 3.81±0.26. There is a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest period in healing process and consequently decreasing severity of foot ulcer grades for the study group at p -value (0,00). This study exposed that the using of apple cider vinegar dressing is effective in promoting foot ulcer healing and decrease grades among diabetic patients.

Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrated that the application of apple cider vinegar dressing reduced the grade severity and enhanced wounds healing of diabetic foot ulcers.