Health Science Technology Wound Care and Healing Health Science Technology

Goals of Wound Care Remove necrotic tissue to promote wound healing Prevent, eliminate, or control infection Absorb drainage (exudate) Maintain a moist wound environment Protect the wound from further injury Protect the surrounding skin from infection and trauma

Stages of Wound Healing 1.Primary Stage= inflammation 2.Secondary Stage= proliferation (granulation) 3. Tertiary Stage= maturation (wound remodeling)

Primary Stage of Wound Healing Inflammatory Phase caused by histamine and prostaglandin Lasts 4 - 6 days Edema leads to a reddened, swollen, and tender wound Healing process is controlled by the release of neutrophils and macrophages

Secondary Stage of Wound Healing Proliferative or Granulation phase Begins 1-4 days after the injury and ends 14-21 days later Rapid growth of epithelial cells to produce a protective covering for the wound Healthy granulation tissue has a healthy reddish-pink color

Tertiary Stage of Wound Healing Maturation, or wound remodeling- Begins 14-21 days after the injury and can last up to 2 yrs. Scar shrinks and thins and becomes less red

Wound Healing In order to accomplish the goals of wound care, a moist wound environment must be maintained Wound cannot be too dry or too moist All wounds require a dressing that is dry on the air-exposed side to prevent bacterial invasion Dressing should be secured over the wound and taped in place using the “window paning” method of taping

Wound Treatments If epidermal (surface) injury: -clean the wound, apply antibacterial ointment and cover If bleeding: -Apply pressure with a gloved hand. -Elevate affected area above the level of the heart to slow blood flow-bleeding should stop after 10-15 minutes. Cover.

Wound Treatment Antibiotics if animal/human bite, or if not cleaned properly Sutures if wound is deep or large Tegaderm or Hydrogel for elderly in lieu of sutures due to fragile skin.

Types of Dressings Wound Vac- -used for wounds with excess exudate, excess edema, bacterial burden, absence of moisture Dry sterile dressing-used for wounds with little to no drainage. Wet to dry dressing-used for wounds in granulating phase of healing

Alternative Wound Care Methods Maggot Therapy-

Maggot Therapy Maggots can effectively: -Debride (clean) the wound -Promote wound healing -Kill bacteria Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) is indicated for non-healing wounds such as: -Venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, etc.

Leech Therapy -Leeches secrete an anticoagulant that increases blood flow -They are painless to attach because they secrete an anesthetic -Used primarily in Eastern medicine, but also in Western medicine. -Can be used for more than just wounds, ex: psoriasis