What are healing problems?
A wound is an injury that may be due to blunt or constant trauma that damages the skin, muscles, nerves, blood vessels or subcutaneous fat. Such a wound will tend to initiate a healing process.
Healing is a biological process in which living tissues are responsible for healing and repairing the body’s wounds. It consists of four stages:
- Hemostasis: it is in charge of stopping bleeding.
- Formation of the scab: seeks to seal the wound.
- Regeneration of elastic matrix: a thinner skin is created once the scab has fallen off.
- Remodeling: the definitive tissue is formed, similar to the one that existed before.
Even so, in many cases the wound does not heal properly or takes longer than usual.
Prognosis of the disease
If the infection is treated in time, there need not be serious complications. But not paying attention to an unhealed wound can cause the infection to spread and can lead to systemic infection or gangrene.
In the worst case, the way to stop the infection is usually amputation.
Symptoms of wound healing problems
Wounds tend to become infected with bacteria, which prevents them from healing properly. It must be monitored to prevent it from spreading throughout the body or getting worse.
A wound that is not healing properly may have the following symptoms:
- Yellow discharge
- Foul odor
- Pain
- Swelling and redness
- Change in the size of the wound
- Fever
What are the causes of healing problems?
There are several reasons why a wound may not heal:
- Systemic pathologies such as diabetes, collagen diseases.
- Presence of foreign bodies such as a splinter or a piece of glass.
- Arterial or venous vascular disease. It is important because there is a risk of necrosis or gangrene.
- Areas of difficult healing (area of constant movement, areas of support moisture …).
- Age
- Medication that delays the normal healing process.
- Not a good cleaning of the wound.
- It is due to an animal or human bite.
Can it be prevented?
Preventing wound healing problems requires above all hygiene and attention:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
- Apply antibiotic ointment or disinfect.
- Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours.
- Cover the wound with a gauze dressing and change it regularly.
Treatments for healing problems
Treatment will depend on the degree and type of infection. Your doctor may recommend oral or ointment antibiotics.
If there is an accumulation of pus, the wound should be opened to facilitate its exit.
In extreme cases of gangrene, surgical intervention may be required.
What specialist treats it?
You may see your primary care physician or a dermatologist.