Most wounds can be easily and safely cared for at home by the patient. But some wounds require extensive wound care and treatment by trained medical professionals. The four types of wounds include simple wounds, open wounds, infected wounds, and dangerous and complex wounds.
The Wound Healing Process
Every wound goes through a four-step healing process that begins with hemostasis. This is a scientific term that refers to stopping the flow of blood through natural processes like clot formation and vascular constriction.
The next stage is inflammation and involves the migration of platelets, phages, and growth factors to the wound site. The inflammation stage clears away cellular debris and helps prevent infection, while supporting healthy tissue regrowth.
The third stage of wound healing is proliferation. This refers to the growth of new cells, rebuilding of vascular tissue, collagen replenishment, and other cellular activities.
Resolution is the fourth and final stage of wound healing and is the phase in which the wound site appears normal. It’s important to understand that deep or complex wounds may take years to fully heal.
Who Needs Wound Care & Treatment?
Calaid Home Healthcare, LLC offers wound care and treatment to individuals with wounds such as:
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Venous stasis wounds
- Falling surgical grafts
- Pressure sores
- Diabetic wounds
- Arterial ulcers
- Vasculitic ulcers
- Non-healing surgical wounds
- Complex soft tissue wounds
- Traumatic wounds
- Infected wounds
- Wounds caused by radiation poisoning
Individuals with chronic health conditions may require a prolonged healing process. Smoking can also have a negative impact on wound healing. The nicotine in cigarettes causes the arteries to narrow, making it difficult for oxygen and nutrients to travel to the wound. Smoking can also cause the arteries to go into spasm. Lack of oxygen and nutrients can make it difficult for a wound to heal.
If the patient has followed all physician orders for treatment and medication but still hasn’t experienced full wound healing, then they may need advanced care options.
Other complications for wound healing include:
- Age
- Sex hormones
- Stress
- Health conditions, such as diabetes
- Use of medications that interfere with clotting and platelet formation
What to Expect During Wound Care & Treatment
Calaid Home Healthcare, LLC wound care specialists help keep the wound clean and prevent infection. These wound care specialists also provide patients with post-operative instructions to support quicker healing and recovery.
During treatment, a wound care specialist can identify signs of infection or delayed healing, such as redness or swelling around the injury site. They can also thoroughly clean and dress the wound, administer antibiotics if necessary, and provide information regarding what to expect during the healing process.
A wound care specialist is trained to care for and treat wounds. He or she will help prevent contact with bacteria or other potentially harmful material to reduce the risk of infection. During wound care and treatment, the specialist will wear sterile gloves and keep the wound as dry as possible. The dressing will be changed on a regular basis, depending on how much wound drainage is occurring.