COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SILVER COLLOIDAL GEL VS CONVENTIONAL DRESSINGS IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCER MANAGEMENT

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer is a common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus, often leading to infection,prolonged hospitalization, and amputation. Impaired wound healing, neuropathy, and vascular insufficiency contribute tochronicity. Various dressings are used to promote healing and prevent infection. Silver-based dressings have antimicrobialproperties and may enhance healing compared to conventional methods in managing diabetic foot ulcers effectively in clinicalpractice settings today widely. Aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of silver colloidal gel with conventionaldressing in the management of diabetic foot ulcers. Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study wasconducted over a period of 10 months in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 70 patients randomly assigned into two groups:Group A receiving silver colloidal gel dressing and Group B receiving conventional saline gauze dressing. Baselinecharacteristics were recorded. Wound assessment was performed using standard clinical parameters such as ulcer size,granulation tissue formation, and signs of infection. Patients were followed up weekly to assess healing progress. Data werestatistically analyzed using appropriate tests and significance was set at p < 0.05 for statistical analysis. Results: Both groupsshowed improvement in wound healing; however, the silver colloidal gel group demonstrated significantly faster reduction inulcer size and earlier appearance of healthy granulation tissue compared to conventional dressing group. Infection control wassuperior in the silver group with reduced bacterial load and fewer dressing-related complications. Mean healing time wasshorter in Group A compared to Group B. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in wound healing parametersbetween the two groups (p < 0.05). Patient compliance and overall satisfaction were also higher in the silver colloidal gelgroup. Conventional dressing group showed gradual improvement but required longer duration for complete healing. No majoradverse effects were observed in either group during the study period. Conclusion: Silver colloidal gel dressing is moreeffective than conventional dressing in promoting faster wound healing, better infection control, and improved clinicaloutcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. It reduces healing time and enhances granulation tissue formation.