Wounds refer to painful injuries which damage the skin epidermis. If wounds are not well treated and cared for, they can result in chronic wounds which may heal slowly. They result in non-stop pain, which prevents one from effectively performing chores and daily activities. According to Autumn Savage, D.O. CWS-P, seeking early medical attention, prevents future infections and amputations.
Various types of chronic wounds cannot quickly heal. They include:
Table of Contents
What Are the Types of Chronic Injuries That Require Professional Care?
- An infected wound results from bacterial infection causing slow wound healing, tissue damage, cellulitis, skin infection, and blood clot. People with diabetes, obesity, poor blood circulation, poor diet, and suppressed immune systems are at high risk of getting a wound infection.
- Venous and arterial leg ulcers occur when there is increased pressure in the vein, and the artery blocks blood from flowing to the feet.
- Foot ulcers are common in people with type 1 and 2 diabetes. They slow the healing, causing swelling, redness, discolored toenails, and smelling of feet.
- Surgical wounds result from surgery complications. People with diabetes, overweight, poor nutrition, and smokers are at high risk of increasing surgical complications.
These wounds require adequate professional care and treatment to prevent one from being amputated. The following are the methods of treatment and care for chronic wounds; treatment and care of chronic wounds:
-
Cleaning the Wound
Cleaning is done regularly with saline, and the dressing is changed often.
-
Wound Debridement
The removal of dead and inflamed tissues around the wound. It is done using tweezers, enzymes-based gel, high-pressure water jets, and sterile larvae to clean the wound.
-
Wound Dressing
After the wound has been cleaned, it is dressed appropriately to remove excess fluids and prevent infections. Hydrogel, gauze, films, foam, hydrocolloids, alginates, and hormone growth factor dressing are commonly used.
-
Compression Stocking and Bandages
If the wound is caused by poor blood circulation, the compressors exert pressure on the veins helping them to carry back blood to the heart and improving circulation, allowing the wound to heal faster.
-
Antibiotics
Wounds may take a longer time to heal if they are infected with bacteria. Apply antibiotics on the damage to help it to heal faster and prevent a chronic injury from emerging.
-
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Involves breathing in pure oxygen in a pressurized unit, which increases oxygen supply in the body, and improves blood circulation to the wound area.
-
Vacuum-assisted Closure Therapy
The wound is covered with an airtight dressing connected to a pressure pump which sucks the fluids from the wound, promoting faster healing.
-
Skin Grafts
The skin grafts are used when the wound takes a long time to heal. The skin is taken from other parts of the body like thighs, human cell products, and synthetic materials are transplanted on the wound, promoting healing.
Where to Receive Gentle Wound Care
Painful wounds can be a burden in everyday activity. You might be unable to sleep and even get depressed. Therefore, one needs appropriate wound care solutions; that is why a specialized team of experts at Wound Evolution – Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine in Dallas, Texas, offers advanced care, including nutrition, advanced dressing, and specialized treatment.