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fayette health notes
TIME
heals all wounds, they say.
Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
Sometimes people get wounds that
may not heal on their own.
In those cases, special care can
help the healing process.
What is a chronic wound?
A chronic wound is a wound that
doesn’t heal normally on its own.
Many factors can keep a wound
from healing, including infections;
not getting the right nutrition; and
health problems, such as diabetes.
Pressure ulcers (bedsores) and
diabetic ulcers are common causes of
chronic wounds.
Pressure ulcers occur when skin
and so# tissue are damaged by being
pressed between bone and a surface
that is touching the body, such as
a mattress. People who can’t move
around or who have to stay in bed
for a long time are at an increased
risk of getting pressure ulcers.
Certain medical conditions, such as
anemia, can also increase risk.
People who have diabetes may
also get ulcers on their feet. $ese
open sores or wounds usually form
from more than one reason,
including poor circulation and not
having feeling in the feet. High blood
glucose levels
lessen the body’s
ability to heal
itself and increase
risk of infection.
Vascular disease
can make the ulcer more compli-
cated to treat because of poor blood
supply to the a"ected area.
Any breaks in the skin from abra-
sions, ulcers or incisions can allow
an infection to develop. Infections
in wounds can spread to the blood-
stream and other organs. Serious in-
fections can involve the whole body
and require intensive care—and may
even lead to organ failure or death.
Treatments are available
Treatments for infected wounds
vary depending on the kind of wound,
its cause and the degree of infection.
Treatments include:
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Debridement—removing dead
skin and tissue from the wound
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Application of special dressings that
absorb drainage and promote healing
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Surgical interventions, including
skin transplantation
William Stevenson, MD, General
Surgeon and Chief of Surgery at
Fayette County Memorial Hospital,
provides care to
patients in the
FCMH Wound
Clinic. For more
information on
Dr. Stevenson
or the Wound Clinic, please call
740-333-2243
.
Source: American Medical Association
WOUND CARE
Some wounds just need a little TLC
Not every cut or scrape needs professional attention. In fact, you can usually care for
minor wounds yourself. Here’s how:
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Rinse the wound with clean water. Clean around the wound with soap and water, but
keep soap out of the wound to avoid irritation.
w
Consider applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection
and to speed healing.
w
If the wound could get dirty or chafed by clothing, protect it with a bandage. Wash
your hands before applying the bandage, and change the bandage daily.
Of course, some wounds may need a doctor’s care, including those that:
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Spurt blood or won’t stop bleeding (these situations require immediate medical
attention).
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Are deep or have jagged or gaping edges that won’t come together. In that case, you
may need stitches.
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Are from a puncture injury, such as stepping on a nail. Also see a doctor if a wound
feels warm or tender; if it swells, turns red or starts to ooze; or if you develop a fever.
Such symptoms may signal an infection.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Medical Association
When wounds
need help to heal
For a referral to Dr. Stevenson,
who can help with a wound that
won’t heal, call
740-333-2243
.