Chronic Wound Care Clinic in Greenville & Dallas TX

Chronic wound Care

Chronic wound Care

Chronic wound care is used to treat an ulcer, such as an arterial or venous ulcer that is greater than 4 cm in diameter and that has been present for more than a month, or an ulcer that has been present for more than 4 weeks and is greater than 6 cm in diameter.

Any wound that does not heal within four weeks is constantly draining fluid, or is very painful is considered a chronic wound. Sometimes the body fails to maintain the healing process and chronic wounds are the result. Also, there are times when a chronic wound never heals. Chronic wounds may be thermal, chemical, or from infection. Conditions such as diabetes, circulatory problems, and immune deficiencies can cause chronic wounds. If you have a chronic wound, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If you have a chronic wound that just won’t heal and appear to be getting worse, see your doctor. Many of these wounds are caused by conditions that are treatable and can be cured.

Symptoms of chronic wounds

The most common chronic wound is a pressure ulcer that occurs when a person is bedridden for a long period of time. Pressure ulcers are preventable but are still an extremely common affliction.

Diabetic ulcers

Diabetic ulcers are a type of chronic wound that is usually found on the bottoms of the feet. The ulcerations may be painful and often escalate if the patient does not change their habits. Diabetic ulcerations may look like cuts, sores, or blisters. Some may be red, swollen, and itching. Others may be white and flaky, with slight discoloration. 

Venous ulcers 

Venous ulcers are typically located on the lower leg and ankle and are caused by chronic venous insufficiency. This condition occurs when there is a problem with the veins in the legs that results in blood not being effectively pumped back to the heart. Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to the fluid that collects in the legs and is not able to return to the heart. This can cause the veins in the legs to swell and become damaged.

Arterial ulcers

Arterial ulcers are the most serious type of diabetic foot wound and can lead to amputation. These wounds are usually caused by poor circulation, which is a result of poor blood flow in the foot. Arterial ulcers may lead to amputation if not treated.

Pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers are one of the most common types of chronic wounds, often referred to as bedsores, pressure sores, decubitus ulcers, or, more commonly, as pressure injuries. Chronic wounds can develop on any area of the skin that is covered by a bony prominence, such as the heels or the knees, or on less bony areas such as the arms and the neck.

Risk factors of chronic wounds

The risk factors of the chronic wounds care:

• Poor control of diabetes.
• Impaired mobility.
• Poor nutritional status.
• Poor control of hypertension.
• Smoking