Ultimate Guide To Properly Care for Your Chronic Wounds

The first step to healing chronic wounds is understanding what causes them. Pressure sores and ulcers develop over time when pressure combines with friction to damage tissue.

Removing debris from the wound site reduces the risk of infection. This process often uses saline or wound cleanser and a sponge.

Dressing choice (hydrocolloid, alginate, foam, or antimicrobial) will depend on the wound type and drainage.

Infections are common occurrences that can greatly hinder the healing process. Look for signs like redness, swelling, pain, odor, or discharge.

Protein, zinc, vitamin C, and hydration can support tissue repair.

Prevention is the best medicine. Reduce friction and pressure with products like offloading cushions, pressure mattresses, protective padding, and mobility aids.

Work with healthcare professionals to monitor progress and prevent complications.

Click a link to jump to the section.

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Chronic Wounds
3. Cleaning and Preparing the Wound Site
4. Choosing the Right Wound Dressing
5. Monitoring for Signs of Infection
6. Supporting Healing With Proper Nutrition and Hydration
7. Preventing Further Injury and Pressure
8. Coordinating With Healthcare Professionals
9. Conclusion

Chronic wounds are painful and persistent. They include, but are not limited to:

• Pressure ulcers/wounds
• Venous ulcers/wounds
• Diabetic ulcers/wounds
• Cavity wounds
• Reopened surgical wounds ¹

These wounds are serious and need continuous attention both at home and by a medical professional.

This blog will outline wound care best practices and provide home-care tips.

Chronic wounds are those that don’t heal within their expected timeframe.

Many underlying conditions may cause wound healing complications, such as:

• Poor circulation
• Diabetes
• Immobility
• Repeated trauma
• Smoking
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Lung disease
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation¹

Consult with a medical professional to determine causes and treatment plans for these wounds.

Sterile saline irrigation uses sodium chloride and water to clean wounds without damaging tissue. Removing debris and other irritants helps prevent infection.

Wound Cleansing Tips:

• Wash your hands and don gloves before starting
• Use new, sterile supplies
• Clean the wound over a towel
• Apply saline or other wound cleanser with a sponge¹

Consult with a medical professional for advice on debridement care and wound hygiene practices.

Selecting the best dressing depends on the type of wound and the level of drainage.

• Wound Type 
  • Partial thickness wounds
  • Full-thickness wounds
• Drainage Level
• Low to moderate exudate

• Wound Type
  • Diabetic wounds
  • Venous wounds
  • Cavity wounds
  • Full-thickness burns
  • Split-thickness graft donor sites
  • Pressure ulcers
  • Chronic ulcers
• Drainage Level
  • Moderate to heavy exudate

• Wound Type
• Chronic wounds
• Trauma injuries
• Surgical sites
• Drainage Level
• Moderate to heavy exudate

• Wound Type
• Minor abrasions
• Irritations
• Scrapes
• Cuts
• Blisters
• Drainage Level
• Low to moderate exudate

Vitality Medical sells an array of advanced wound care supplies.

Infections are one of the most common complications of chronic wounds. Not only do they cause discomfort, but they also delay healing. Depending on the severity, an infected wound may require medical evaluation.

Wound infection signs include:

• Increased redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Odor
• Discharge

Prevention is the best medicine. Antiseptic wound care, frequent clean dressing changes, and consistent monitoring can reduce the risk of infection.

Talk to a healthcare professional if:

• Pain worsens
• Swelling worsens
• Exudate color changes
• You have a fever
• You feel nauseous¹

Diet and nutrition play a complementary role alongside proper wound management during the healing process. Protein, carbohydrates, dairy,(1) zinc, and vitamin C support tissue regeneration.

Beneficial foods include, but are not limited to:

• Meat
• Beans
• Lentils
• Tofu
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Seeds
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Eggs
• Bread
• Crackers
• Cereal
• Potatoes
• Pasta
• Rice
• Fruit
• Vegetables¹

Drinking plenty of water is also important. Hydraition encourages skin repair and circulation by delivering essential nutrients to the wound area.

Frequent repositioning helps prevent pressure sores and ulcers by periodically relieving pressure points and reducing friction.

Offloading cushions and specialized mattresses evenly distribute pressure to various points of the body. These are especially beneficial to more sedentary patients and people who use wheelchairs.

Dressings or padding protect wounds and other high-risk areas from friction. This allows sores or ulcers to continue healing and helps prevent additional tissue damage.

Mobility support aids improve comfort by reducing pressure and friction around injured areas.

It is important to schedule medical follow-ups with wound care specialists or nurses. Professional guidance ensures appropriate dressing selection and monitors progress.

Keeping a wound assessment log helps sustain coordination between caregivers.

Proper wound management is the key to healing chronic wounds. Consistent wound care and appropriate dressing selection reduce the risk of infection or additional injuries.

Always talk to a doctor about serious injuries or complications. They can easily diagnose chronic wounds and suggest the best treatment methods and healing support products for your needs.

Home care can make or break the healing process. Staying organized, keeping the wound and the surrounding environment clean, and stocking up on infection control supplies sets you up for success.

Vitality Medical offers a wide range of wound dressings, cleansers, and many other patient care products for long-term healing support.

• ¹  Chronic Wound Care: Home Instructions, Intermountain Healthcare, 2023.