It might start with a scratch from a screen door, a bug bite, or a blister on the foot. It could also be caused by a surgery, a long hospitalization or extended recovery. Whatever the cause, about 10.5 million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from a chronic wound.
These wounds severely impact the quality of life for these patients, causing pain and infections. Many patients become homebound because of the symptoms, discomfort and appearance of these wounds. Advanced Wound Associates is here to help you understand chronic wounds; what they actually are, what are the risk factors and causes, and their complications.
What makes a wound “chronic?”
Wounds, or breaks in the skin, that heal in about 4 weeks are called acute wounds. When a wound doesn’t heal within 4-6 weeks, it’s diagnosed as a chronic wound.
Are all chronic wounds the same?
Chronic wounds are typically found on the feet or lower legs, and are usually classified into one of four types:
- Arterial ulcers, usually impacted by arteriosclerosis
- Diabetic ulcers, such as foot ulcers
- Pressure injuries, such as bed sores or wheelchair sores
- Venous leg ulcers, usually caused by venous insufficiency
What are the symptoms of chronic wounds?
Chronic wounds can bleed or have an oozing, often foul-smelling discharge. They may be surrounded by red and swollen tissue. Chronic wounds can also itch, especially when the patient is trying to rest or sleep. While some chronic wounds are very painful, if a patient has nerve damage, they may not feel any pain, even with a large wound.
Who is at risk for a chronic wound?
While that scratch on the screen door could be the catalyst for a chronic wound, the causes go much deeper. Because robust flow of richly oxygenated blood is vital to proper wound healing, chronic wounds are usually found in patients with:
- Poor circulation caused by narrowed or clogged arteries
- Venous insufficiency and varicose veins
- Diabetes, as high sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves
- Constant pressure from lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair
- Compromised or weakened immune system
- Poor diet
- Traumatic injury causing a large or deep wound
Other risk factors can include:
- Neuropathy or nerve damage
- Dermatitis, severely dry skin
- Obesity
- Smoking or use of tobacco products
- Cancer treatments
What happens when a patient does not get proper treatment?
Chronic wounds can become infected, causing the wound to enlarge and increase in severity. Patients can experience cellulitis and osteomyelitis requiring oral or IV antibiotics. They may develop life-threatening sepsis. Chronic wounds can cause depression, severely impacting quality of life. Chronic wounds are the leading cause of lower limb amputations in the United States, and such amputations will shorten a patient’s lifespan dramatically; a third of patients don’t live much longer than 12 months after an amputation.
When should a specialist be consulted?
When a wound hasn’t healed in 4-6 weeks, call Advanced Wound Associates at 708-433-2000 or contacts@advancedwoundassociates for an immediate evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan.
Our team of board-certified and licensed physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses have advanced and specialized training and decades of experience in the care of healing of wounds. Patients will be comforted by our compassionate and understanding bedside manners, and are always welcome to ask any questions about their care and progress.
