Wound healing is a complex biological process that allows the body to repair damaged tissue. In most cases, wounds heal naturally with appropriate care. However, some wounds might resist healing, leading to chronic conditions that require special attention. You face the danger of serious repercussions including gangrene, hematoma, amputation, or even death if you choose to disregard injury symptoms or make decisions that worsen your injury. If you or someone you know is dealing with a non-healing wound, this article is for you. We will delve into evidence-based care strategies supported by research to promote effective wound healing and improve overall well-being.
Understanding Wounds
A non-healing wound is one that does not show significant signs of improvement within a reasonable timeframe, typically three months. These wounds can arise due to various factors, including poor blood flow, infections, chronic health conditions like diabetes, or compromised immune systems.
Causes of Non-Healing Wounds
You may have sores or a wound that won’t heal for a variety of reasons. Non-healing wounds affect the majority of patients as a result of several causes working together. Some of these causes include:
- Underlying medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Significant injury to skin
- Burns
- trophic ulcers due to poor nutrition e.g., vit B deficiency, poor blood supply, poor venous drainage.
Stages of Wound Healing
An open wound on the skin heals in a predictable way. If one or more of the healing stages are hindered, a wound may not heal. According to woundsource.com, there are 4 stages of wound healing. These stages include:
- Hemostasis stage (Stops the bleeding): Hemostasis is the process through which the wound is stitched up. When blood escapes the body, hemostasis begins. Blood arteries contracting to lessen blood flow is the initial stage of hemostasis. The blood artery rupture is then sealed by platelets adhering to one another. Finally, coagulation takes place, strengthening the platelet block with fibrin threads that act as molecular binders.
- Inflammation stage (Scabbed over) : In order to stop blood loss, blood arteries at the spot tighten, and platelets (special clotting cells) assemble to form a clot. Blood arteries enlarge after the clot has formed to maximize blood flow to the site. Because of this, a healed wound initially feels heated and appears red. Inflammation inhibits infection and is a normal element of the healing process for wounds and only becomes a concern if it lasts too long or is excessive.
- Proliferative stage (Rebuilding): In the proliferative stage of wound healing, collagen and extracellular matrix-based new tissue is added to the wound site. The wound contracts during the proliferative phase as new tissues are formed. In order to ensure that the granulation tissue is healthy and receives enough oxygen and nutrients, a new network of blood vessels must be built.
- Maturation stage (strengthening): The maturation phase, also known as the remodeling stage of wound healing makes the new tissue stronger and can span anywhere from 21 days and two years. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, removes the cells that had been used to mend the wound but are no longer needed.
What makes Wounds Persist?
- Diabetes or High Blood Pressure: Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not effectively use sugar. When this occurs, white blood cell function is hampered, which in turn hinders the body’s capacity to fight off infections. As a result, diabetics are more vulnerable to unexpected infections and non-healing wounds. Also, adequate blood flow and oxygenation is needed for the body to perform properly, and repair as needed, therefore overall, high blood pressure which impairs circulation and oxygenation will inhibit the healing process and make non healing wound persist.
- Poor Diet: Because rebuilding tissue requires a lot of calories, if you don’t consume enough protein, your body won’t be able to maintain the physiological processes required for your wound to heal. it is advised to consume twice as much protein as you normally would as your wound heals. Meat and fish, eggs, dairy products, seeds and nuts, and legumes are examples of foods high in protein.
- Improper Wound Care: High-risk wounds can quickly become worse with incorrect wound care, which can also halt the healing process.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of complications
- Medication: The body’s natural healing process may be hampered by various medications or treatments used to treat specific medical disorders.
- Lack of Offloading: Offloading is the process of relieving pressure and if it isn’t put in place for patients who run the risk of putting too much pressure on their wounds, healing might never take place.
How to Treat a Non-Healing Wound
- Seek Professional Evaluation
If you are dealing with a wound that won’t heal, the first step is to seek professional evaluation from a healthcare provider experienced in wound management. They will assess the wound’s characteristics, identify any underlying issues, and tailor a treatment plan based on your unique needs.
- Maintaining a Clean and Moist Environment
Research has shown that keeping the wound clean and moist can aid in the healing process. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or harsh antiseptics, as they can harm healthy tissue. Instead, opt for gentle saline solutions or specialized wound cleansing products as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Debridement of Dead Tissue
Debridement, the removal of dead or necrotic tissue, is a crucial step in promoting wound healing. Various methods, such as surgical, mechanical, enzymatic, or autolytic debridement, may be employed based on the wound’s condition.
- Addressing Underlying Health Issues
Non-healing wounds can often be linked to underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, vascular diseases, or malnutrition. Addressing these issues is vital to support the wound healing process effectively.
Some other ways include:
- Nutrition and Hydration
A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for wound healing. Proper hydration is also crucial, as it helps maintain the skin’s integrity and supports the overall healing process.
- Offloading Pressure
For wounds that result from pressure, offloading the affected area is essential to prevent further damage and promote healing. Proper positioning and the use of pressure-relieving devices can be beneficial.
Conclusion
Dealing with a non-healing wound can be challenging, but with evidence-based care strategies, healing is possible. Seeking professional evaluation, maintaining a clean and moist wound environment, and addressing underlying health issues are crucial steps backed by research to facilitate the healing process. Remember, each wound is unique, and personalized care is key to achieving successful wound healing and improved overall well-being. Consult with your healthcare provider to develop a tailored treatment plan that suits your specific needs and promotes the best possible outcome for your wound.
