What are chronic wounds?
- Patients
- Professionals
- Partners in Care
- Get a Sample
Menu
What are chronic wounds?
A chronic wound is any type of wound that does not heal in a timely manner. Wounds that are slowly healing or not progressing within 30 days can be considered chronic wounds. These wounds often persist for more than three months. These wounds can be caused by various factors and can affect people of all ages, although they are more common in older adults with contributing factors that increase risks of delayed healing.
A chronic wound is any type of wound that does not heal in a timely manner. Wounds that are slowly healing or not progressing within 30 days can be considered chronic wounds. These wounds often persist for more than three months. These wounds can be caused by various factors and can affect people of all ages, although they are more common in older adults with contributing factors that increase risks of delayed healing.
Chronic wounds are a significant medical problem and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with underlying medical conditions. They can also cause psychological distress, decreased quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Days of hospitalization are often extended, then the need for aftercare, including rehab stays, home care services and outpatient clinics are often part of caring for a chronic wound in addition to the cost of supplies to treat the wound itself.
There are many possible causes of chronic wounds. Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic wounds. High blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels and nerves. This leads to poor circulation, decreased sensation in the feet and legs, and diminishing eyesight. These factors can delay identification and effective early treatments. When early interventions are delayed, healing may be prolonged with a higher risk of deeper tissue damage and infection. For people with diabetes, early identification and treatment is of utmost importance because diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause of surgical amputations.
Venous Insufficiency is a condition where the veins in the legs are not able to pump blood back to the heart properly. This leads to bulging veins, progressive swelling and open wounds that are often slow to heal. Pain, leaking legs and risk of infections eventually lead to decreased mobility, further delaying healing. A hallmark treatment for venous insufficiency wounds includes compression, which can be difficult for patients to comply with and will compound issues.
Arterial disease is a condition where the arteries of the legs become narrowed or blocked. Lack of blood flow is will cause dark black wounds in the lower legs and feet. Arterial disease can be present in people with venous disease and diabetes, which further complicates healing issues. Open foot wounds are at high risk for infection which also needs to be constantly monitored and treated when present.
Pressure injuries have been known by many names including bedsores, pressure ulcers, decubitus ulcers etc. Pressure, friction and shearing affect the skin between support surfaces and bony prominences which can lead to skin breakdown. Pressure injuries are most common in frail elderly and people with decreased mobility and sensation. These individuals are at risk for chronic wounds when they do develop as their ability to improve their overall health may be diminished.
Traumatic injuries, such as burns, cuts, and abrasions, can lead to chronic wounds if they are not properly treated. Certain infections, such as cellulitis and osteomyelitis, can cause chronic wounds. Some types of cancer, such as melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can cause chronic wounds. Untreated cancer lesions can also be fungating and protrude from the surface of the skin and will continue to proliferate.
The symptoms of chronic wounds can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common signs will include a lack of wounds decreasing in size, continued significant drainage, persistent redness, pain and swelling. These persistent issues with chronic wounds will continue to be strong and persistent. Chronic wounds may eventually heal but can also reoccur in the same location due to changes in normal changes to skin strength after a wound.
The treatment for chronic wounds will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the wound. In most cases, treatment will involve a combination of wound care, medication, and lifestyle changes. The first step in treating a chronic wound is to keep it clean and protected. It is likely that traditional wound care of gauze and saline will be insufficient to heal a chronic wound. Topical treatments to address current wound presentation may include topical prescription ointments and treatment for any infection present. Debridement of any non-viable tissue will need to be removed and serial debridement may be needed. Compression therapy involves applying pressure to the affected area to help improve circulation and reduce swelling. Surgical interventions may be required beyond debridement to restore blood flow to distal chronic wounds.
Patient compliance and lifestyle changes can help improve the healing process and prevent reoccurrence. Nutrition can play a huge factor in wound healing and working with a registered dietician can greatly improve further skin integrity concerns and help to manage or reverse diabetes and further risk factors.
Compression wear long-term will be needed to prevent further edema issues for people with venous disease and lymphedema. Fitness is an important factor for overall health and maintaining mobility and independence. Working with physical therapists and personal trainers can be useful for individuals to progress physically and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Chronic wounds are a common issue for many people, particularly for those who are bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or suffer from conditions that limit their mobility. These wounds can be quite challenging to manage and may take weeks, months, or even years to heal completely. As a caregiver, it is important to understand what chronic wounds are, their causes, and how to manage them effectively.
Caregivers can use strategies to help promote healing and prevent further complications. The most effective strategies can include the following. Seek advanced wound care from certified wound specialists which can often be found in outpatient wound clinics. This can be essential for promoting healing and preventing infection accessing advanced wound healing options. Clinic treatments may include frequent debridement to remove devitalized tissues, obtaining differential diagnoses and cultures as needed. Good nutrition is essential for promoting healing, particularly for people with chronic wounds. A diet that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help to promote tissue repair and healing. Improving mobility and pressure relief is very important for wound healing and physical therapy may be a key component for improving functional status to improve wound healing.
©2020 Human Biosciences, Inc. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Mrs. Vann is responsible for branding, design, and public outreach efforts for the company. Mrs. Vann has over five years of experience in the creative design arena. She has spearheaded multiple marketing campaigns, both domestic and international. She also has experience producing several television and live-stage programs. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Video Studies from George Mason University.
Mr. Patel is the Vice President of Operations for Human BioSciences. As such, he is responsible for strategy development for optimal growth, organizing multiple teams and implementing optimal product delivery for the growth of HBS. He has served multiple positions within HBS since 2001, including Operations Manager. With an MBA in Pharmaceutical Healthcare and a Bachelor’s in Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Patel brings deep technical knowledge in collagen product production with a rich history in managing teams.
As the President of Human BioSciences, Dr. Rohan K Jain is responsible for the company’s overall operations, with a focus on research and development. Dr. Jain has supervised and conducted extensive research in the collagen, biomaterials, and protein space, resulting in the release of numerous new products to the market. Prior to his role at HBS, Dr. Jain was a capital markets attorney at Shearman & Sterling LLP. He received his Doctorate in Law and his MBA from New York University; his Bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and his Master’s in Engineering Management from Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of the New York and Maryland bars.
Cheryl Carver, LPN, WCC, CWCA, CWCP, DAPWCA, FACCWS is responsible for clinical education and training initiatives for customer accounts. Ms. Carver has amassed a wealth of clinical knowledge and industry experience in her more than 20 years as a board-certified wound care nurse. She has authored over 200 published white papers, ebooks, blogs, and articles for WoundSource and freelance.
Dr. Goebel is responsible for the company’s physical infrastructure and global expansion efforts through partnerships. Prior to joining HBS, Dr. Goebel was Managing Director at the Graf Matuschka Group in Munich, Germany, where he was actively involved in restructuring and privatization in East Germany and Eastern Europe. He was also a member of the American group of the EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in the privatization of the Russian economy and military complex. He has over forty years’ experience in many different industries including medical devices, pharmacy, and others. Dr. Goebel earned his Doctorate and Postdoctoral degrees in Economics in East Berlin.
Mr. Kumar is responsible for the company’s overall accounting and finance activities with a focus on internal control and taxation.
Mr. Kumar has over 25 years of public and corporate accounting experience. He is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in the State of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., and an Enrolled Agent authorized to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Kumar is also a Chartered Accountant and fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Mr. Kumar received his Master’s degree in Commerce from Himalayan University in India.
Mr. Slovick is responsible for all regulatory and quality affairs in the company. Mr. Slovick has worked in regulatory, quality, and clinical services within the medical device and diagnostics industry for nearly 40 years. He founded Methodize Inc., to offer strategic support for approval of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics products. Mr. Slovick has a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems.
Mr. Agarwal is responsible for Corporate Business Development, Sales, and Product Development, both locally and internationally for the company. Mr. Agarwal has over six years of corporate sales and business development experience. He completed his Master of Science in Engineering Management degree from Johns Hopkins University with a technical concentration in Mechanical Engineering. In the past, he has also worked as a fundraising volunteer for three years and thus gained insights in community fundraising and business development. Additionally, he has interned at a manufacturing firm and understood various intricacies involved in manufacturing ranging from the floor level to the supply chain. He has published a paper on Omni Channel Supply Chain and is a certified Lean Six Sigma associate. He has also interned as a business development consultant to a startup for market research and pricing strategies in Israel. Equipped with a combination of management and technical background acquired from his diverse experiences and education, he is perfectly suited to lead the business development efforts for Human BioSciences.