When we hear the term “chronic disease,” it is often interpreted as something that cannot be cured, merely managed to prevent severe flare-ups. However, this is not the case for “chronic wounds.” Although they may be more severe than regular wounds, they have the potential to heal with proper care.
Types of Wounds
Wounds can be classified based on the nature of the injury into two main categories:
- Closed Injuries: These injuries do not show visible breaks in the skin but may involve tears in tissues or capillaries beneath the skin. They often occur from blunt force trauma, leading to swelling, bruising, or what we commonly refer to as “bruises.” This category includes injuries with internal bleeding in organs such as muscles, bones, and joints.
- Open Injuries: These wounds usually involve skin tearing and bleeding. Examples include cuts from sharp objects, abrasions, burns, and scalds.
- Stages of Wounds and Treatment Methods
Wound treatment is generally categorized by the stage of the wound into two types:
- Acute Wounds: These are fresh, new wounds that typically heal within four weeks.
- Chronic Wounds: These wounds take longer than normal to heal, remaining in a state of inflammation for over 4-6 weeks or more.
Who is at Risk for Chronic Wounds?
Anyone can develop a chronic wound if a wound is not properly managed, potentially leading to tissue death or infection due to inappropriate wound care materials. Factors that increase the likelihood of chronic wounds include:
- Underlying Health Conditions: Individuals with conditions that affect wound healing, such as vascular diseases, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney failure, are at higher risk.
- Blood Quality Issues: Conditions like poorly controlled diabetes can impair wound healing due to inadequate blood supply, malnutrition, or anemia.
- Surrounding Tissue Conditions: Wounds on skin that has previously undergone radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or steroid use may heal more slowly than usual.
The Dangers of Poorly Managed Chronic Wounds
If a chronic wound is not properly cared for, it will not heal and will fail to progress through the healing process. The wound may remain inflamed and infected, potentially spreading wider and leading to increased necrosis. This can prolong the healing time significantly. If left untreated, it could result in the need for amputations or, in severe cases, lead to sepsis and even death.
Stopping the Progression of Chronic Wounds with Innovative Technology
The Advanced Wound Care Center at Phyathai 3 Hospital features a specialized surgical team that conducts in-depth assessments of chronic wounds to identify their underlying causes. They initiate treatment by addressing the root factors that delay healing. Additionally, the center collaborates with internal medicine specialists to manage risk factors associated with wound healing.
Utilizing modern technology, the center employs techniques to remove necrotic tissue with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. They also utilize specially designed wound dressings tailored to various conditions and lifestyles, allowing for less frequent dressing changes while promoting faster healing and better outcomes through Advanced Wound Care Center technology. This approach aids in healing and reduces the chances of scarring in the future.
In addition to wound care, the Advanced Wound Care Center provides holistic health management through a team of physicians, physical therapists, and skilled nurses to prevent and minimize the risk of future wounds.
“Having a chronic wound doesn’t mean you should lose hope. By stopping its progression and reducing risks through proper care, healing is achievable.”
Dr. Benjaporn Nuntasanti
Specialist in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Advanced Surgical Technology Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
