Chronic Wounds Such as Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers Can Cause Severe Health Risks

Written by Adam Peck Category: Bed Sores April 25th, 2017 2 min read

Chronic Wounds Can Cause Severe Health Risks

An acute wound that does not heal in an expected amount of time, typically within six weeks, is considered chronic. Chronic wounds can result from a number of conditions including diabetes, circulatory problems, trauma, vascular disease, and immobility (which can lead to pressure ulcers, commonly known as bed sores). If left untreated, chronic wounds such as a Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers, leg ulcers from a vein problem, a foot wound in a person with diabetes, an infected wound or a bed sore can cause severe health risks and result in life-threatening infections, possible amputation and debilitating health problems.

The signs of a chronic wound include the loss of skin or tissue surrounding the wound or the amount of time it takes for the wound to heal. Once a wound has become chronic, intensive medical intervention and wound treatments are required to heal it.

Common chronic wounds

Pressure ulcers or bed sores are often the result of an individual staying in the same position, such as lying in a bed or sitting in a wheelchair, for extended periods. In these situations, the blood supply can become cut off to an area of skin.

Treatment of wounds

Receiving proper care and treatment for chronic, nonhealing wounds is important for the prevention of amputation and recurrent infections. There are a various forms of treatment for chronic wounds including antibiotics; debridement – a surgical procedure which removes nonliving and infected tissue; compression therapies; hyperbaric oxygen therapy; advanced bioengineered alternative tissues such as Apligraf and Dermagraft; Non-contact Ultrasound Mist Therapy; Total Contact Casting; CelluTome Epidermal Harvesting and LUNA Fluorescence Angiography.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.