Non-Healing Wound

I think that it is safe to say that all of us will experience some sort of wound at some point in our lives.  However, most wounds will heal with the proper treatment.  A non-healing, or chronic wound, is one that does not heal within six to eight weeks with traditional wound care.  It is stated that more than 5 million Americans experience a non-healing wound at some point during their life, so this could possibly include you or your loved ones.  Chronic wounds can cause serious infections, illness, and even loss of a limb.  To ensure your health and safety, it is a good idea to learn and be able to recognize the causes and symptoms of these types of wounds.

There are certain health conditions that may cause chronic, non-healing wounds that you should be familiar with, including inflammatory diseases that include lupus and scleroderma.  Other conditions may also be the cause of your non-healing wound, such as:

·      Anemia

·      Bowel disorders

·      Circulation disorders

·      Diabetes

·      Heart Disease

·      Increased cholesterol

·      Hypertension

·      Kidney failure

·      Obesity

·      Malnutrition

·      Sickle Cell Anemia

·      Venous insufficiency

Individuals with non-healing wounds should also take their health history and current habits into consideration.  A past or current history of smoking, use of steroids, radiation therapy, cancer or infection, being in one position for an extended time period, or having a family history of non-healing wounds could all be causes for your current wound situation. 

You may wonder, “Well, when does a wound become a chronic, non-healing wound?”  Following are some distinctive signs to look for to help further determine if your wound can be considered non-healing.  Just look for these signs:

·      Persistent and increased pain in the wound area

·      A dark or bluish discoloration near the wound edges

·      Increased wound drainage

·      Redness or swelling that continues to extend from the wound

·      A foul odor that comes from the wound

There are a variety of wounds that are considered to be non-healing.  Some types of wounds that you may be familiar with in this category include pressure ulcers from being in one position for too long, diabetic ulcers, wounds that continue to reopen and are difficult to heal after surgery, and ischemic ulcers from a decrease in efficient blood circulation.  The type of wound depends upon what your current situation is and of course the wound experience will be unique to the individual that is involved. 

Treatment options will vary depending upon the type of wound, its location, and the condition of the client who is involved.  Once your wound is evaluated by your provider and a skilled team of wound care professionals, your treatment plan will be developed.  Generally, wound treatment regimens change according to how the wound is progressing with treatment.  Wound treatment plans will be adjusted in order to provide you with the most optimal healing results, or treatment will be continued to maintain your wound in its current state so that it does not worsen.

Total Home Health has a program that is right for you and all of your wound care needs.  Our highly skilled, professional staff will be alongside you in your journey.  Our staff will be there for you to carry out your unique wound treatment plan.  We will report any changes to your provider if ever the need arises, in order to ensure that your treatment is always the best it can be for your non-healing wound.  At all times while you are in our care we will do our best to see that you function as independently as possible.  Plus we will always educate you on ways to maintain your self-esteem even if you are compromised with a wound that just will not heal.  With Total Home Health anything is possible, let’s get started today!