Non-healing Wounds
A non-healing wound is one that has not started to heal within two weeks or has not completely healed in six weeks. Non-healing wounds are subject to infection, and without proper care, the infection can spread to other tissues including soft tissue and/or bone.
Common Chronic Wounds
- Pressure Ulcer – primarily caused by immobility; commonly found on bony areas of the body
- Diabetic Foot Ulcer – result of loss of sensation in lower extremities
- Venous or Stasis Ulcer – pooled blood in lower extremity veins; most commonly found near the ankle and below the knee
- Arterial Ulcer – commonly found between or on top of the toes, or along the outer ankle
- Infectious Wound – often accompanied by foul odor, pus, drainage, dead tissue, inflammation, debris, and a fever
- Ischemic Wound – any type of wound not receiving adequate blood supply
- Surgical Wound – chronic incision wounds may appear hot, swollen, and may have a reddish appearance
Possible Causes
- Diabetes
- Peripheral artery disease
- Weakened immunity
- Poor nutrition
- Circulation problems
- Excess alcohol use
- Smoking
- Vascular disease
- Sedentary lifestyle or immobility
- Nerve damage
Signs of Infection
May include:
- Warm skin around the wound
- Redness or swelling
- Discharge from the wound
- Pain that gets worse
- Fever and chills
- Unpleasant odor from wound
Infection Treatment & Prevention
- Thorough cleaning of wound
- Allow the skin the air-dry
- Apply antiseptic ointment
- Protect with gauze or dressing
- Change dressing regularly
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Debridement (removal of dead or devitalized tissue)