For some people, even the simplest wound can turn into a potentially limb or life-threatening event. This often occurs when people have an underlying condition that causes problems with wound healing, such as diabetes. There are several specialized treatments that may be helpful in treating chronic wounds.
Bioengineered Skin
Bioengineered skin is made from various sources. In some instances, skin may be harvested from the patient, but in most instances the skin is harvested from newborns. When parents consent to having their baby's skin harvested, the tissue is acquired during a circumcision. Although harvesting the skin cells from the patient's own body has benefits, such as decreased chance of rejection, the foreskin of newborns also has a low risk of rejection and infection. Additionally, the latter is preferred because it has rapidly diving cells and is rich in stem cells. The bioengineered skin comes in a thin layer and it is applied to the wound. The skin helps create a framework for new skin to grow and introduces new skin cells to help accelerate the healing process.
Vacuum-Assisted Closure
The vacuum-assisted closure, known as a wound VAC, is another option for extensive wounds. Typically foam is placed over the wound then held in place with a special seal that also allows connection to the vacuum pump. Since there is a seal over the wound, there are fewer chances of bacteria getting inside the wound and causing infection. Once the vacuum is connect via a tube, the device is turned on and continuously creates a vacuum and allows the wound to drain through the tube. The benefits of the wound VAC are it can increase healing because it creates gentle pulling on the edges of the wound and may encourage skin cells to grow. The vacuum helps drain excess fluid that can build-up and create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Swelling of the wound is also reduced with the wound VAC.
Topical Oxygen
Topical oxygen therapy is another option for wounds that do not heal properly. The wound is covered in special plastic that is adhered to the skin around the perimeter of the plastic, this creates an air-tight seal. A tube connects the plastic to a machine that administers low-pressure, 100% oxygen. Therapy is typically done in 90-minutes sessions daily for four days. There will be a break in treatment for three days before a new round of treatment can be done. Topical oxygen not only accelerates the healing process, but it can reduce the risk of infection and minimize swelling of the wound.
Chronic wounds increase the risk of infection and can result in limb amputation or lead to sepsis. Finding options to help accelerate the healing process of chronic wounds can drastically reduce the risk of severe complications from non-healing wounds. To learn more information, reach out to a company such as Derm Creations.
Share3 February 2022
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