Washington, Aug 3 - Foot complications, such as open wounds, can be difficult to treat or heal. However, a study has revealed that a new dressing powder, which acts exactly like a layer of skin, is cutting down healing time and reducing the quantum of pain ensuing from serious foot ulcers.

'This new powder comes together, in an amazing flexible film that mimics the wound's surface and helps it to retain moisture and protect the wound, but still allows the right amount of air flow needed for the wound to close,' said study co-author Tracey Vlahovic, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM).

This wound powder is especially promising for the nearly 24 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, where diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause of non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations.

This powder's successful treatment of difficult foot wounds could potentially lead to a reduction in amputation rates.

In a recent American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) survey, 18 percent with diabetes reported that they had experienced a foot sore that would not heal.