Wounds are formed when the skin of the human body is damaged. If it is not handled properly, it may be infected by bacteria. Skin aging and chronic diseases can also affect wound healing, so it is very important for family caregivers to understand the types of wounds and how to handle them correctly.

Factors affecting wound healing

1. External factors

Long-term pressure on the wound (affecting blood circulation), repeated damage, bacterial infection, or improper treatment (such as the use of ineffective disinfectants or dressings), etc., will slow down the speed of wound healing.

2. Internal factors

Aging, diseases such as diabetes, long-term use of drugs, bad lifestyle habits such as smoking (destroying blood vessels), alcoholism (affecting nutrient absorption), etc., all of which can lead to a decline in immunity, make wounds susceptible to infection, and affect healing.

● Prevent infection

Keep the wound clean. When changing dressings (washing wounds and changing dressings), disinfection and sterilization are required to ensure that the tools and dressings used have undergone disinfection and sterilization procedures. Don’t know how to choose the right dressing? Check Conkote® Wound Dressing Selection: Types and Usage

● Promote healing

When using tape or bandages, it should not be too tight to avoid excessive pressure on the wound. If the patient is inconvenient to move, it is necessary to help the patient adjust the posture and move position on time to avoid obstructing blood circulation. Pay attention to balanced nutrition to help wound healing.

● Reduce damage

Avoid unnecessary injuries to the wound, such as pressure, friction, or dressing allergy.

Symptoms of wound infection

● Local symptoms

The wound has pain, redness, swelling, fever, fluid exudation, decay, peculiar smell, bleeding or suppuration.

● Systemic symptoms

Fever, convulsions, accelerated breathing and pulse, headache, nausea, loss of appetite or physical discomfort, etc.

If the above problems occur, the condition deteriorates or the wound fails to heal for a long time, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible for professional diagnosis and treatment.