Factors that Slow Down Wound Healing

The cause of a chronic wound or wound that has not healed in over 30 days, must be determined in order to control the underlying issues. A chronic wound is also explained as a skin wound that does not heal, heals slowly, or heals but recurs. Trauma, burns, skin malignancies, infection, or underlying medical disorders such as diabetes are only a few of the various reasons for chronic (ongoing) skin wounds. Wounds that take a long time to heal require extra attention.

 

If a leg or foot ulcer is caused by diabetes, for example, your doctor may check your blood sugar control and may recommend that you see a podiatrist to prevent further ulcers. Surgical treatment of the varicose veins may be indicated in the case of an ulcer caused by varicose veins. A chronic wound can be diagnosed using a variety of ways, including:

The following are some of the factors that can impede the healing of a wound:

 

  • Dead skin (necrosis) – foreign elements and dead skin obstruct the healing process.
  • Infection – a bacterial infection can occur in an open wound. Rather than mending the wound, the body attacks the infection.
  • Continuous bleeding will keep the wound borders apart if you have a hemorrhage.
    Mechanical harm — a person who is immobile, for example, is a danger of developing bed sores due to persistent pressure and friction.
  • Poor dietary choices may deny the body of nutrients necessary for wound healing, such as vitamin C, zinc, and protein.
  • Medical illnesses that restrict blood supply to the area, such as diabetes, anemia, and some vascular diseases, or any problem that impairs the immune system.
  • Age – Wounds in the elderly tend to take longer to heal.
  • Medicines – some drugs or therapies used to treat specific medical diseases can obstruct the body’s natural healing process.
  • Tobacco use — Tobacco use slows healing and raises the risk of problems.
  • Varicose veins — skin breakdown and ulceration can occur as a result of restricted blood flow and swelling.
  • Dryness – lesions exposed to the air (such as leg ulcers) are less likely to heal. The numerous cells that play a role in healing, such as skin cells and stem cells

Methods of Diagnosis

  • Examining the wound and assessing the local nerve and blood supply are all part of the physical examination.
  • Medical history, including chronic medical issues, recent surgery, and medications you regularly use or have recently taken
  • Tests of the blood and urine
  • A wound biopsy was performed.
  • Culture the wound to check for disease-causing microorganisms (pathogenic).

Suggestions for Self-Care

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions, but for slow-healing wounds, avoid using drugs that interfere with the body’s natural healing process if at all feasible.
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as over-the-counter aspirin, for example, inhibit immune system cell function. In the short term, ask your doctor for a list of medicines to avoid.
  • Make sure you eat well. To aid in the healing process, your body requires healthy nutrition.
  • Include vitamin C-rich foods in your diet. Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen in the body. Vitamin A, copper, and zinc are all necessary elements for wound healing, and they may all be found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Supplementing your diet with extra vitamin C may be beneficial.
  • Maintain the dressing on your wound. If wounds are kept warm, they heal faster. When changing dressings, try to be as rapid as possible. A wound’s temperature can drop when exposed to the open air, which can impede healing for a few hours.
  • On a chronic wound, avoid using antiseptic lotions, washes, or sprays. The cells involved in wound healing are poisoned by these preparations.
  • Exercise on a regular basis enhances blood flow, improves general health, and accelerates wound healing. Consult your doctor for workout recommendations.
  • Any chronic medical issues, such as diabetes, should be managed.
  • Smoking is not permitted.

Consult your Physician

Check your wound on a regular basis. If you develop any of the following symptoms, see your doctor right away:

  • Bleeding
  • Increased drainage or pus
  • Your wound is becoming more painful
  • Fever
  • If you have any worries regarding your wound, always see your doctor

Human BioSciences, Inc. blog offers education and tips; however,the information provided by this website or company is not a substitute for medical treatment or advice.

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