Wound Care
When tissue is damaged as a result of surgery, trauma, or disease, the body needs to take in more nutrients than usual to respond effectively and heal the wound. Not meeting all nutritional needs before the wound occurs, or during recovery, can compromise the healing process. Nutrition plays an essential role in supporting the body’s repair process, and proper wound management must include adequate provision of energy and nutrients for maximum effectiveness.
Chronic wounds can be defined as wounds that take more than 4-6 weeks to heal. Examples of wounds that may become chronic:
- Pressure ulcers
- Post-operative wounds
- Wounds in people with diabetes
- Ulcers on legs and feet
- Venous leg ulcers
- Extensive burns
- Amputation wounds
Risk factors
Chronic wounds may occur in any individual, but are more frequent in the elderly and chronically ill. There are also various conditions and diseases that can impact wound healing. These include:
- Diabetes
- Inability to self-care
- Inadequate nutrition
- Older age (over 65 years)
- Poor circulation
- Smoking
- Vascular disease
- Weakened immune system