The skin is our largest organ that protects our body against external factors and provides thermal insulation. Any damage to our skin is called a wound. The human body is programmed to heal wounds on its own.
In some cases, the healing of wounds may be delayed or interrupted. Wounds that do not heal in 4-6 weeks are called non-healing or chronic wounds. This delay can be caused by many internal (internal to the person's own body) or external factors.
The aim of wound care is to find these reasons that prevent the wound from healing, to eliminate these reasons when possible and to provide a suitable environment for the wound to heal.
Laboratory investigations and imaging methods are used to reveal the underlying disease or disorder in wound care. Then, treatments are organised by the relevant branch physicians and necessary precautions are taken. Wound care is performed by using medical wound care tools and equipment.
Medical wound care devices are products designed according to the type of wound, which enable the wound to pass from the place where it is worn during the healing process to the next healing stage. They are selected and used by the wound care specialist according to the stage and need of the wound.
Wound care should be provided by physicians and allied health personnel who have received professional wound care training. Otherwise, it should not be forgotten that wrong treatments that may threaten the patient's limb and life may be performed.
Wound care should be provided by physicians and allied health personnel who have received professional wound care training. Otherwise, it should not be forgotten that wrong treatments that may threaten the patient's limb and life may be performed.
A pressure ulcer, also known as a bedsore, is a damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by a combination of pressure or tearing and pressure, usually on bony prominences. The risk of pressure ulcers is higher in people who are unable to perform even the simplest movements on their own.
Pressure ulcers can affect any part of the body, but areas with bony protrusions such as the elbows, knees, heels, back and ankles are more susceptible to developing pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are treatable but can cause fatal complications if treatment is delayed.
A person who stays in one fixed position for a long time and is unable to change his or her position without assistance is at high risk of developing pressure ulcers. The ulcer can develop, rapidly enlarge and deepen and be difficult to heal.
Blood flow is impaired at these points of the body that are constantly under pressure and tissue death occurs as a result of impaired circulation in the tissues squeezed between the bed surface and the bone protrusion. Wound formation may start in blood flow interruptions of 2 hours in a patient in a lying position and over 1 hour in patients in a sitting position.
If there is constant pressure on an area of the skin and this pressure also overlaps the bone, the skin and underlying tissues may not receive sufficient blood supply. The most important factor that plays a role in the development of pressure sores is pressure. The intensity, duration and tolerance of the tissue are important in the development of pressure sores.
In some patients, especially if the person has poor skin and poor circulation, uncontrolled turning and moving the patient may damage the skin and increase the risk of injury; in such cases, it is necessary to act very carefully and seek help when necessary.
Tear damage occurs when the skin remains fixed and the underlying tissues are displaced. The tearing effect is that the blood vessels in the deeper tissues are stretched, elongated and twisted. This cuts off the supply of blood and oxygen to the tissues. Under the influence of this stretching, the blood vessels and deep muscle layers attached to the bone membranes are torn. Since the skin, which is in close contact with the bearing surface, cannot move freely, the main effect of the rupture is observed in the deep tissues above the bone protrusions.
Wetness affects the resistance of the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, to external forces. Friction and tear damage increases in a slightly to moderately moist environment.
Pressure ulcers have different stages depending on their severity. They are classified into 6 groups: stage 1 to stage 4, as well as pressure ulcers and unstageable and suspected deep tissue damage. Patients who use a wheelchair have a higher risk of developing pressure ulcers on their hips. Pressure ulcers can develop anywhere, depending on the part of the body in contact with the bed or wheelchair.