Wound which is not healing

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Gender Male Female Prefer not to say. For example, anti-inflammatory drugs such as over-the-counter aspirin will hamper the action of immune system cells. Ask your doctor for a list of medicines to avoid in the short term. Make sure to eat properly. Your body needs good food to fuel the healing process. Include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet. The body needs vitamin C to make collagen.

Fresh fruits and vegetables eaten daily will also supply your body with other nutrients essential to wound healing such as vitamin A, copper and zinc. It may help to supplement your diet with extra vitamin C. Keep your wound dressed. Wounds heal faster if they are kept warm.

Try to be quick when changing dressings. Exposing a wound to the open air can drop its temperature and may slow healing for a few hours. Don't use antiseptic creams, washes or sprays on a chronic wound. These preparations are poisonous to the cells involved in wound repair. Have regular exercise because it increases blood flow, improves general health and speeds wound healing. Ask your doctor for suggestions on appropriate exercise.

Manage any chronic medical conditions such as diabetes. Do not smoke. See your doctor Check your wound regularly. See your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms including: Bleeding Increasing pain Pus or discharge from the wound Fever. Always see your doctor if you have any concerns about your wound. Where to get help In an emergency, call triple zero Your doctor Hospital staff Domiciliary care staff Specialist wound clinics Emergency department of your nearest hospital.

MacLellan, D. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all skin. Related information. Support groups Care of open wounds, cuts and grazes. Granulation tissue is a sign that the wound is on its way past an often-stubborn inflammatory phase of healing and Surgical complications impact many patients every year, and when post-operative complications occur, they can disrupt the normal healing cycle and introduce new challenges in patient care.

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Refer to the Legal Notice for express terms of use. Skip to main content. Submitted by Bruce Ruben on May 28th, Blog Category:. Wound Care By Bruce E. Ruben MD A non-healing wound is generally defined as a wound that will not heal within four weeks. They are: Poor Circulation Infection Edema Inadequate Nutrition Repetitive Trauma to the Wound Poor Circulation Wounds heal most efficiently when there is easy access to and from the wound site through the body's circulatory system.

Infection Infection is the proliferation of bacteria, virus or fungus in or under a wound site that inhibits the natural and timely healing of the wound. Edema Edema is fluid that accumulates in the skin, dermis or fatty tissue and usually occurs in the lower extremities.

Protein Malnutrition Just as you cannot build a house without the building blocks, bricks or foundation, the body cannot build new tissues without an adequate supply of protein. The skin around the wound can harden and become discolored. Venous leg ulcers tend to recur, and maintenance usually requires regular compression therapy such as compression stockings.

Any leg swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, because many conditions cause swelling. Some, such as blood clots, require more extensive evaluation or treatment. These wounds occur when pressure is constantly exerted on body tissue over a period of time. The constant pressure compresses vessels that carry blood to keep the tissue alive, opening the door for injury, Dr.

People who are bed-bound or use a wheelchair are at highest risk for pressure ulcers, including those with spinal cord injuries or those with some form of dementia. Sores are most likely to develop on the tail bone, sacral bone or heels.