Chronic wounds can be stubborn and debilitating, but many effective wound care methods are available.
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Throughout someone's lifetime, experiencing a wound is often considered commonplace. Most wounds successfully heal on their own without specific medical intervention. However, some wounds require medical care beyond general first aid principles.
It can be frustrating and discouraging to have a wound, especially if it is healing slowly. However, many effective methods of wound care can improve healing. Read on to learn more about wounds and how our providers at Lompoc Health excel in comprehensive wound care.
Wounds, which the U.S. National Library of Medicine defines as breakdowns in the integrity of the skin’s surface, can affect people of all ages. Common types of wounds include scratches, cuts, scrapes, punctures, and ulcers.
When a wound is initially sustained—from a fall, burn, increased pressure, surgery, or another injury to the skin's integrity—it is considered an acute wound. Wounds that are cared for in the acute phase, with proper first aid measures such as cleaning, dressing, and (if necessary) suturing, generally heal within one month. However, when a wound is present for 30 or more days, it is considered to have a prolonged healing time, and it is referred to as a “chronic wound.”
Chronic wounds are becoming more common. Some reports estimate that nearly 7 million people in the U.S. have a chronic wound.
People who have certain medical conditions have a higher risk of experiencing prolonged wound healing time. Risk factors for chronic wounds include:
It can be intimidating to take the first step in initiating wound care. However, it is essential to address chronic wounds promptly before they have a chance to create larger problems. The risks of untreated (or insufficiently treated) wounds include the following:
To avoid experiencing a chronic wound, it is important to stay in close contact with your medical provider, particularly if you have chronic illnesses that put you at a higher risk for developing a chronic wound. If you have diabetes, prevention strategies such as daily foot inspection and wearing protective shoes can help reduce your chance of suffering a chronic wound.
Acute wounds can occur anywhere. When wounds take longer to heal and become chronic, they are more likely to be located in places where circulation (blood flow) is reduced, with decreased sensation or increased pressure or friction.
Common sites for chronic wounds include:
A chronic wound can have certain characteristic appearances. When it comes to pressure ulcers, clinicians use a wound’s appearance to assign it to a specific stage. The criteria for these stages include the following:
The stage of a wound can determine the type of wound care needed for it to heal maximally.
If you are concerned about a wound that is not healing properly, it is important to follow up with your medical provider. Your provider will do a physical assessment of the wound and order further diagnostic studies, such as blood work or an x-ray or MRI. If your provider suspects that a problem with blood flow causes your wound, you may be eligible for specific studies that evaluate how well your blood is flowing. If the wound appears infected, a tissue culture may help with antibiotic therapy.
When it comes to wound care, one of the most important things your clinician can do is determine the factors that led to the development of the wound in the first place. You may find that you need an alternative pair of shoes or different patterns and habits during your daily routine.
Once your wound has been fully evaluated, your provider will have all the information necessary to formulate a wound care plan. There are many effective wound care methods available, including the following:
Ways of caring for a wound that does not involve surgery include:
Most chronic wounds can be successfully managed without surgery. However, some wounds require surgical attention, such as the following:
At Lompoc Health, our surgeons have a high level of expertise. They can determine what type of wound closure method is preferable given each individuals’ unique medical circumstances.
Wounds, particularly chronic wounds, are so common that clinicians are dedicated specifically to caring for them. If you are concerned about a wound taking a long time to heal, make sure to discuss this with your primary care provider. You may benefit from the specific expertise of a wound care specialist. Contact us today to learn more.
