Diabetic ulcer healing preparations from the skin of the Arabian Gulf catfish (Arius bilineatus Val.): a novel and effective treatment.

A novel and simple treatment for healing of infected diabetic foot ulcers in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus patients was devised. The preparations which involve aqueous extracts from the skin of the Arabian Gulf catfish are enriched with different fractions from the same source and with catfish lipids. Eight patients with non-healing foot ulcers and two with wet gangrene were treated. It was found that the ulcers were completely healed. The gangrenic feet noticeably improved in 48 h. The treatment resulted in natural debridation of the necrotic tissues. The ulcer site was invaded by angiogenesis and granulation tissues. Sensation returned to the otherwise neuropathic extremity. The rate of growth of new tissues was proportional to the amount of healing material applied, and its effect ceased shortly after the interruption of the treatment. No. atrophy of the skin lesions was noted and no side-effects were detected.