Activated charcoal behavior in diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic foot is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by exudative ulcers with a risk of infection and amputation. Effective treatment of these lesions requires control of moisture, odor, and infection. In Cuba, the availability of specialized dressings is limited, so the use of activated charcoal has been explored as a local alternative.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of activated charcoal use in grade II and III neuroinfectious diabetic foot ulcers at the Agostinho Neto General Teaching Hospital in Guantánamo.

Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, and longitudinal study was conducted in 50 patients with a confirmed diagnosis from January 2025 to May 2025. Variables such as moisture percentage, healing time, healing time, and presence of malodor were analyzed. Data were processed with statistical methods (frequency and percentages) using SPSS.

Results: 64% of patients achieved >75% healing, with greater efficacy in Wagner II ulcers. Seventy percent of low-humidity lesions healed within 1–14 days. On day 30, malodor was reduced from 84% to 8%, demonstrating infection control.

Conclusions: The use of powdered activated charcoal was shown to be effective, economical, and accessible, improving healing and controlling exudate and infection in neuroinfectious ulcers. It represents an effective therapeutic alternative in resource-limited settings.