Impaired Wound Healing

Impaired Wound Healing: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Wound healing, or the process of bringing an injured area of the body back to its normal state, is a complex yet natural phenomenon that can be hampered, or impaired, in certain scenarios. Impaired wound healing can dramatically hinder the natural process of closing up a wound and potentially lead to serious infection. Knowing the underlying causes, signs and symptoms, and available treatments for impaired wound healing is important for both medical professionals and patients alike.

Causes of Impaired Wound Healing

Impaired wound healing can occur from a variety of factors including:

• Age - due to the natural aging processes, elderly individuals are particularly prone to impaired wound healing.
• Underlying medical conditions - pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension can put an individual at increased risk for impaired wound healing.
• Cellular deficiency - a deficiency in red blood cells (anemia) or a vitamin deficiency such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can impair the healing process.
• Local infection - the presence of an infection in or around the wound can drastically inhibit the body's natural wound healing process.
• Continuing trauma - touching the wound site, pulling on dressings, or any additional trauma to the wounded area can slow the healing process.

Signs and Symptoms of Impaired Wound Healing

When wounds are not healing or do not appear to be healing as expected, it is important to recognize tell-tale signs and symptoms of impaired wound healing. These may include:

• Redness, heat, or swelling around the wound.
• Increased pain around the wound.
• Presence of drainage or discharge from the wound.
• Wound odor.
• Formation of pus or increased scabbing around the wound.
• Necrotic tissue.
• Crusts at the wound site.
• Standard wound care treatments not showing improvement.

Treatments for Impaired Wound Healing

If any of the symptoms listed above are present, curtains medical treatment and care for impaired wound healing may include:

• Debridement: Removal of any matter surrounding or in the wound in order to prevent further infection and enhance the healing process.
• Cleansing: Wound cleansing with medicated rinses or soaps is necessary to eliminate any debris and prevent infection.
• Packing: The insertion of an absorbent material, such as foam or cotton fiber, into the wound to absorb any pus or drainage.
• Dressing Change: Daily changing of dressings to avoid infection.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The application of high pressure oxygen used to optimize wound healing.
• Medications: Antibiotic medications to fight off infection, and anti-inflammatory, and/or pain medications used to reduce pain and promote healing.

When wound healing is impaired, it is necessary to take the appropriate medical steps in order decrease the risk infection and to restore the wound to its normal state. Taking the time to recognize and appreciate the signs and symptoms, and understanding treatment options are essential for medical professionals and patients alike.