SW Dallas News

UT Southwestern Medical Center issued the following announcement on Feb. 06.

The UT Southwestern University Hospital Wound Care Clinic sees patients for a variety of conditions that can lead to chronic wounds.

Skin is the body’s largest organ – but unlike your internal organs, it is exposed to day-to-day damage during normal activities, which can result in cuts and scrapes. In most patients, these surface-level wounds heal quickly.

However, in patients with conditions that weaken the skin, the healing process can be delayed or sometimes doesn’t begin at all. When a minor wound doesn't heal on its own after approximately two weeks, we consider it a chronic wound. And if left untreated, it can lead to serious infections and tissue loss. In rare cases, it increases the risk of amputation.

Chronic wounds are common, with experts estimating that 1% to 2% of the population have them.  

At the UT Southwestern University Hospital Wound Care Clinic, we see patients for a variety of conditions that cause skin dryness, tissue tears, loss of elasticity (stretchiness), or loss of sensitivity (neuropathy), which increases their risk of developing chronic wounds. Some of these conditions include:

• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
• Ongoing mobility issues or long-term wheelchair use
• Skin complications after surgery or cancer treatment

When dealing with wounds, time is tissue: the earlier you receive treatment, the better.

We approach wound care as a team of experts who cover all the bases with patients, from preventive strategies to nutrition plans that promote healing. Our patients have access to new and emerging treatments that can heal chronic wounds faster. And the process begins with addressing the nuances of the underlying condition that put them at risk in the first place.

Common conditions associated with chronic wounds

Diabetes

Diabetes is most often associated with the development of chronic wounds. It can alter the function of blood vessels, nerves, and surface of the skin, leading to issues such as foot ulcers, which affect up to 15% of diabetic patients. Typically, this is brought on by peripheral neuropathy, or losing sensation in your feet, which can make it more difficult to immediately notice wounds after stepping on a sharp object or developing a blister. 

Patients with diabetes should check their feet regularly for wounds and skin changes. We advise patients to wear properly fitting footwear designed especially for diabetic foot health. These shoes can help reduce irritation and protect the feet from foreign objects. We also recommend using a thick lotion made specially for patients with diabetes to help keep the skin moisturized, flexible, and resistant to tearing.

Wheelchair use or limited mobility

Pressure ulcers are a common issue for those who use a wheelchair for mobility or are confined to a bed. Also called bedsores, these wounds can develop when your skin is pressed against a hard surface for extended amounts of time. If the pressure reduces blood flow to this area, the tissue can become damaged or die, leading to the formation of ulcers.

To minimize the risk, patients or caregivers should perform regular inspections to make sure abrasions are healing properly. A doctor or mobility expert can recommend cushions, padding, or a rotation schedule to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Pay special attention to areas such as the spine and hips that are frequently in contact with hard surfaces. 

Leaky or varicose veins

Approximately 20% of adults in the U.S. have varicose veins – swollen or twisted blood vessels that can be seen under the skin and increase the risk for chronic wounds or ulcers. For some patients, varicose veins cause swelling, tension, and skin damage such as hemosiderin deposits, in which the blood leaks back into the skin, weakening it and sometimes preventing wounds from healing.

To prevent varicose veins, we frequently recommend compression socks for patients who sit or stand for long periods of time every day. Other steps include quitting smoking, getting exercise every day, and elevating your legs when resting.

Original source can be found here.