Wounds
A wound is a break in the surface of the skin. This break in the skin allows for introduction of infection to deeper areas of the body. Wounds can be broadly classified into 2 general categories: acute (wound) and chronic (ulcer).
Causes:
Acute wounds are often caused by external factors such as pressure, or heat. Chronic ulcers are generally caused by internal factors, such as diabetes, neuropathy, ischemia, and venous hypertension.
Diagnosis:
Superficial wounds are diagnosed clinically. The main concern regarding a wound is the presence of infection. Signs and symptoms of infection include drainage, odor, inflammation, swelling, and pain. For deeper wounds, including ulcerations, bone infection is a major concern. X ray is often utilized for initial assessment of bone infections.
For other underlying causes of ulcerations, such as vascular diseases, other advanced imaging studies can also be ordered.
Treatment:
Local wound care is implemented to assist with wound healing. Local wound care decreases the amount of bacteria at the site, provides a suitable environment for the wound to heal, and prevents further degradation of the wound site from external factors. At the same time, internal factors such as diabetes need to be kept under control. If deep infection is present, then surgical debridement with removal of non viable tissue is necessary.
A wound is a break in the surface of the skin. This break in the skin allows for introduction of infection to deeper areas of the body. Wounds can be broadly classified into 2 general categories: acute (wound) and chronic (ulcer).
Causes:
Acute wounds are often caused by external factors such as pressure, or heat. Chronic ulcers are generally caused by internal factors, such as diabetes, neuropathy, ischemia, and venous hypertension.
Diagnosis:
Superficial wounds are diagnosed clinically. The main concern regarding a wound is the presence of infection. Signs and symptoms of infection include drainage, odor, inflammation, swelling, and pain. For deeper wounds, including ulcerations, bone infection is a major concern. X ray is often utilized for initial assessment of bone infections.
For other underlying causes of ulcerations, such as vascular diseases, other advanced imaging studies can also be ordered.
Treatment:
Local wound care is implemented to assist with wound healing. Local wound care decreases the amount of bacteria at the site, provides a suitable environment for the wound to heal, and prevents further degradation of the wound site from external factors. At the same time, internal factors such as diabetes need to be kept under control. If deep infection is present, then surgical debridement with removal of non viable tissue is necessary.