Chronic Wound Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A wound is an injury that causes a break in the skin. A chronic wound is a wound that has not healed completely in 4 to 6 weeks. Normally, wound healing involves a complete and efficient process of tissue repair. A chronic wound occurs when this process is disturbed and healing becomes a problem. The wound may be a deep ulcer (open sore), a large burn, or an infected wound. Muscles, blood vessels, bones, and other body parts may be affected. Sometimes, tissue loss may be seen.
  
  
• Wound care is a procedure to clean the wound, prevent or stop infection, and help promote healing. Depending on the severity, location, and presence of other conditions, caregivers will choose the best treatment for your chronic wound. Wound care includes wound cleansing, debridement, and bandaging. Additional treatments, such as hyperbaric oxygen, negative pressure therapy, and medicines applied to the skin, may also be given. Treatments for your wound may change depending on how it is responding and how your health condition is doing. Your wound may be treated in the hospital, another care setting, or at home.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. Use all medicines given to control other health conditions as directed by your caregivers. These conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. It may also help you heal faster. You may also need to take vitamins and minerals if you are not getting enough nutrients in your food. If you have other medical conditions, you may need to follow a certain diet. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.

Skin care: Caregivers may want you to move the areas where your wound is to decrease pressure on the wound. Check your skin every day for red areas, scratches, or other problems. Move around often to prevent sores from developing. Avoid resting directly on your bony areas. Use pillows or foam wedges to do this.

Wound care:

• Do not remove the bandage over your wound unless your caregiver says it is OK. Keep the bandage clean and dry.
  
  
• Clean the wound as often as ordered by your caregiver. If you cannot reach the wound, have someone help you.
  
  
• If you have a packing, make sure all the gauze used to pack the wound is taken out and changed. If your wound has a cavity (hole), keep track of how many gauze dressings are placed inside.
  
  
• Wash your hands before and after taking care of your wound to prevent spreading an infection.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have more swelling, redness, or bleeding in or around your wound.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure or medicines.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have muscle, joint, or body aches, sweating, or a fever.
  
  
• You have pus or a foul odor coming from the wound.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing or chest pain all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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