1) Zinc -- this one is best: http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails....&pid=1361&at=0 zinc upsets the stomach and this one does not and gives good absorption.

2) Vit C-- at least 500mg/day

3) protein (arginine is used in nursing homes--it is an amino acid)
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails....1&pid=411&at=0
If Alan still uses the whey powder...there may be enough in that for him.

Often modern wound care involves using special dressings..most of which are expensive, but may be covered on your insurance. Keeping the wound covered with these special new products often gives good results..some contain Silver.

This is one example:
http://www.convatec.com/Ag/us/index.html

This product is also used sometimes;
http://www.allegromedical.com/wound-...t-p193419.html

Wounds left open to the air do not heal well (this is an old wive's tale today)
The new wound dressings are designed to be used for 3 days or more before a change in dressing.

Wound care is big business these days. A wound on the foot is very hard to heal... so a specialist may offer a dressing with nutrients right in it!