treatments at sd wound care center

Wounds Treated At San Diego Wound Care Center

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Wounds can be a serious matter when left untreated. So the best thing that you can do is to prevent it from becoming a major issue due to bacterial infection. Such would include the services provided at the San Diego Wound Care Center.

 

 

But you might ask which types of conditions are treated at a wound care center? Well, here are some of the major conditions that could be remedied.

 

 

 

Diabetic Ulcers

 

This condition can be treated by using appropriate therapeutic footwear, antibiotic therapy, daily saline dressings, debridement when needed, optimal control of blood glucose, and correction and evaluation of peripheral arterial insufficiency.

 

 

If you are a patient with a diabetic foot ulcer, then you should receive care from physicians, podiatrists, surgeons, and pedorthists who have an active interest in such a complex problem.

 

 

 

Pressure Ulcers

 

This condition is also referred to as bedsores, which can affect patients that are bedridden. If you are a patient with such a condition, the doctor will try to look closely at your skin and determine if you have indeed pressure ulcers and how bad it has become.

 

 

Staging at this point is necessary so that the doctor will be able to find out which treatment should suit you best. A blood test could be conducted to assess your overall health. You will be treated by reducing the pressure on the skin affected, caring of the wounds, controlling pain, maintaining good nutrition, and preventing the infection.

 

 

 

Venous Insufficiency Wounds / Venous Stasis Ulcers

 

These are often referred to as open sores that may occur when the veins fail to push back blood to your heart as they should. Since blood backs up in the veins, it could build up pressure. When you fail to treat this condition, there will be increased pressure and excess fluid to cause an open sore.

 

 

When you are experiencing such a condition, you should call your healthcare provider, particularly when there are signs of infection. Such would include the following signs.

 

  • Bleeding
  • Fever or chills
  • Increased pain
  • More drainage that is cloudy or yellowish
  • Redness, swelling, and increased warmth around the wound

 

 

 

Vasculitic Ulcers

 

Vasculitic ulcers commonly appear on the leg, which can be the manifestation of cutaneous vasculitis in connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The actual causes of vasculitis may not be known, but the common concept is that there are an abnormal immune response and an inflammation of the blood vessels.

 

 

The severity of the condition will be observed through the following parameters.

 

  • Location of the ulcer, either on the leg or foot
  • Exposure of the tendon or bone
  • Edges of the ulcer that could either be flat or raised to determine the type of ulcer, arterial or venous
  • Any discharges present that indicates infection

 

 

The treatment for vasculitic ulcers is the application of cortisone-based medications. This will be able to suppress the immune response in order to stop the progression of the disease. Thus, it is important that you consult a professional healthcare provider from a wound care center to avoid any complications.

 

 

 

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.

signs of wound infection

Ways to Tell If a Cut Is Infected

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It is always a concern for everyone to check if a particular cut has signs of wound infection. In fact, an infected cut may lead to a serious illness when left untreated. Most cases that involve tiny cuts have greater chances of developing skin infections, such as MRSA, staph, or strep.

 

 

 

How to Determine If a Cut Has Been Infected

 

You should be able to tell if the cut you have has been infected by looking into the following signs.

 

  • There is swelling around the cut
  • It shows some redness
  • You experience local fever or the cut would feel hotter than the areas around it
  • You can observe draining pus or an oozing thick gooey material within the cut

 

 

If you experience any of these signs, then there is a great possibility that the cut is indeed infected. Therefore, it is important that you allow a healthcare provider to look into the cut before it becomes a major problem.

 

 

Doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants may provide antibiotics to be able to combat infection. If you leave alone the signs of wound infection, then you could be at risk of having your condition worsen.

 

 

 

Risk of a Worsened Condition

 

The worst case scenario when an infected cut has been left unattended is that it can develop into a full-body or systemic condition. So here are some of the things that you should look for to tell if you have indeed developed a worse infection.

 

  • Fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit – Aside from experiencing a warm feeling around the wound, you can also feel it around your body. This only means that your infection has already spread around your system.
  • Body aches – When you feel that your joints are becoming painful, including the areas around your cut, then you are at higher risk of infection.
  • Diarrhea or nausea – These are indicators that there is already an infection spreading from the local injury going into the other body systems.

 

 

 

Keep the Cut Clean

 

You can avoid getting your cut infected if you know how to keep it clean as it heals.  If you have soap and water, it can minimally keep your cut clean. You may also use some antibiotic ointment to alleviate the condition but it may not be necessary.

 

 

If possible, you can cover the cut using an adhesive bandage. However, you are advised to change it daily, as you wash the cut with soap and water every time.

 

 

 

Consult the Doctor

 

You may have developed an infection on the cut, so the best thing that you need to do is to see your doctor. This is because your doctor can prescribe and advise you on the application of antibiotics to eliminate the infection.

 

 

Antibiotics are available with a prescription, and each with their own function against different bacteria. The physician can also provide a particular medication for your infected wound.

 

 

Always be mindful of any cut that you may have because they can be exposed to bacteria. Once the bacteria grows inside the open wound, then take note of the signs of wound infection.

 

 

 

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.

wound clinic - diabetic foot ulcer

The Different Ways to Accelerate Wound Healing

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You aren’t expected to heal immediately after visiting a wound clinic. Whether the wound is small or located on a body part you don’t put weight on, the bottom line is healing takes time. That said, there are ways to speed up the process some.

 

Be Patient

Wounds take time to heal and getting impatient about their continued presence on your person isn’t going to help one bit. You may have your reasons for wanting it gone straightaway but you have to give it time to heal.

 

Other than being patient about the healing period, you have to be equally patient with the healing process. There are two sides to this: your body’s own process of healing and the physical process involved in healing.

 

Your body has a healing mechanism. A simple wound from a knife cut won’t necessarily need stitches and it will heal over time. The same thing holds true for a wound that has to be treated at a wound clinic. So give your body some time – it is doing the best it can.

 

As you give your body time to heal, you must also do what’s advised of you to heal. If there are particular instructions like not putting weight on your foot, then it’s best to follow those orders. Instructions are given for a reason and it’s in your best interest to follow them.

 

Keep in mind that you want to be healed, not add more problems.

 

 

Follow the Doctor’s Orders

This is closely related to being patient. Listen to everything your doctor says at the wound clinic. If they recommend a number of days for bed rest, you have to follow those instructions. Doing so is not harming you; they are meant to help you.

 

You will certainly be uncomfortable with the entire situation for a period of time but things will only get worse if you don’t do what you’re told. A patient who suffered a stroke and has to go to rehab has a higher chance of getting better if they actually go to rehab and do the exercises given.

 

This is more or less the same with wound healing.

 

 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

You may know this as a treatment for decompression sickness, which is often suffered by scuba divers. This kind of therapy involves breathing oxygen in a pressurized room (in some cases, a tube). It can also be used to treat patients who suffer from non-healing wounds caused by diabetes.

 

How can this particular form of therapy help?

 

The oxygen breathed in is carried around the body via blood. The breathed-in oxygen will do the following: it will fight bacteria and encourage substances (growth factors and stem cells) to be released. The substances mentioned are important in healing.

 

What hyperbaric oxygen therapy does is increase the amount of oxygen the blood can carry. Doing so can bring back the level of blood gases to normal. It also helps tissues function normally. All of these taken together promotes healing and fights infection.

 

 

For a full spectrum of wound care, visit San Diego Wound Care Center today.

 

 

 

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.

diabetic foot ulcer

How Can a Wound Care Specialist Help with Diabetic Foot Ulcer

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To understand how a wound care specialist can help with a diabetic foot ulcer, it is first important to know some of the basics. First of all, it helps to understand what a diabetic foot ulcer is, what causes it, and when should a specialist be asked for help.

 

 

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

This is a wound located at the bottom of the foot. It usually occurs in patients who have diabetes. Of those patients, about six percent will need hospital care due to infection or a complication caused by ulcers.

 

In the U.S., diabetes ranks as the top cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations. There is a 14 to 24 percent chance that diabetic patients who develop a foot ulcer will need an amputation. Foot ulcers account for 85% of amputations related to diabetes.

 

 

What causes a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A foot ulcer can develop in anyone who has diabetes. However, there are some who are more likely to suffer from it than others. For instance, there is a high rate of development among African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and older men.

 

Those with high insulin levels are also at risk of developing foot ulcers. Patients who suffer from an eye, kidney, or heart disease related to diabetes are also at risk of foot ulceration.

 

Other risk factors for foot ulcers are being overweight, alcohol use, and tobacco use.

 

There are different reasons for the formation of ulcers. They are mostly caused by a combination of factors, including inadequate feeling in the foot, deformities in the foot, trauma, poor circulation, irritation, as well as the length of time as a diabetes patient.

 

A patient who has had diabetes for a long time will have elevated blood glucose levels, which can lead to nerve damage and therefore contribute to a lack of feeling in the feet or the inability to feel pain in the same area.

 

Foot ulcers can be further complicated by the vascular disease since it reduces the ability of the body to heal therefore making it prone to infection. The body’s capability in fighting off infections are also restricted when blood glucose levels are high.

 

Since pain is not a symptom of foot ulceration, one way to notice the problem is drainage on socks. An odor is also noticeable, as are redness and swelling.

 

It’s important to see a podiatrist immediately if an ulcer is found. Diabetic patients need to get their foot ulcers treated to minimize the risk of infections or amputations. In addition, seeking help can improve quality of life and minimize health-care costs.

 

 

How can a Wound Care Specialist Help?

 

A foot ulcer that isn’t infected won’t require surgery. However, if non-surgery treatments aren’t working, then seeing a wound care specialist is an option. A specialist can find ways to remove pressure on the area that is affected. They can also help with correcting foot deformities such as bunions, bumps, and hammertoes.

 

Recovery time after surgery largely depends on the size of the wound and its location. Healing time can take weeks or stretch to a couple of months.

 

 

 

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.

chronic wounds

Reasons Why Chronic Wounds Aren’t Healing

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Different types of wounds typically take a certain amount of time to heal. It also goes through a particular phase of healing, and when deviations occur along the way, the wound is considered chronic in nature.

 

Normally, wounds are closed up within a few hours after an injury since the risk of infection rises as long as the wound remains open. However, chronic wounds are not ordinary wounds; they close slower than usual, keep opening up, or just don’t heal.

 

As such, chronic wound care often involves management and other methods to aid with healing.

 

 

Treatment of Chronic Wounds

Treatment of a chronic wound involves dressing it up for protection. While it can be a challenge to treat, proper management can result in successful healing. Wound care specialists work to identify the causes of a non-healing wound in order to provide the appropriate treatment.

 

Chronic wounds can be accompanied by pain, which can cause patient discomfort. As such, treatment options focus on speeding up the healing process to ensure comfort and successful healing.

 

 

Wound Care Process

Chronic wound care involves frequent dressing changes. It involves cleaning the wound and applying a dressing.

 

Cleaning a wound usually involves rinsing it with a saline or electrolyte solution. A process called debridement follows which involves the removal of dead cells of inflamed tissue with the use of tweezers or a scalpel. This process can be painful which is why a topical anesthetic can be applied to prevent pain.

 

 

Wound Dressings

After cleaning, the wound is covered with a dressing. The purpose of a dressing is to remove excess fluid from the wound and to keep it protected from infection. While it can be left on the wound for a number of days, it needs to be replaced regularly, especially when the dressing becomes ineffective in soaking up secretions.

 

While there are different kinds of dressings, there is no one type that works well for a particular chronic wound. However, it is clear that maintaining a moist wound environment is essential for healing. As such, wound dressings that can retain moisture or absorb exudate are preferred.

 

 

Making sure the wound environment is moist also has benefits for the patient since it reduces discomfort. Dressings that create a moist environment include:

 

  • alginate dressings
  • film dressings
  • foam dressings
  • hydrocolloid dressings
  • hydrogel dressings

 

A wound that still refuses to heal will require the aid of a specialist.

 

 

Seeing a Wound Care Specialist

Common chronic wounds include diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers. These conditions share similar features such as excessive inflammation and persistent infection. They can be a challenge to care for but success healing is possible if treated appropriately.

 

If a wound refuses to heal, seeing a chronic wound care specialist can recommend the use of other methods like skin grafts. Wounds of the chronic variety can’t simply be sewn but proper management can lead towards successful healing.

 

 

Chronic wounds can affect daily life but something can be done about it. Come to the San Diego Wound Center to see what we can do for you.

 

 

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.

types of wounds and dressings

The Different Dressings Used for Chronic Wound Treatment

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Wounds follow certain patterns on the way to healing. Of the two main types of wounds, the chronic variety deviates from the normal process. The deviation occurs due to a disruption at one or more points of the healing phases.

 

A wound that doesn’t heal in a timely fashion causes emotional and physical stress on patients. Pain is a factor in many chronic wounds, but whether or not it is involved requires an appropriate dressing selection to ensure patient comfort.

 

 

Common Chronic Wounds

There are different types of wounds that are classified as chronic. Some of these can cause patients much pain while others don’t. The most common chronic wounds include the following:

 

  • Diabetic foot ulcers – found on the foot, heels or toes of diabetic patients. This condition is accompanied by little to no feeling on the foot or in the ulcer. It can be managed with topical treatments or a dressing containing calcium alginates.

 

  • Pressure ulcers (bedsores) – caused by sitting or lying in a single position for a long period, causing damage to the skin. Sores usually appear on the back of the head, the spine, elbows, heels, shoulder blades, knees, ankles, and tailbone. This causes discomfort for patients and can be treated with alginate or hydrocolloid dressings.

 

  • Venous leg ulcer – develops after a minor injury, particularly if there is a problem with blood circulation in leg veins. This type of wound can be painful and is prone to bacterial infection.

 

These chronic wounds can be treated with bandages – film, foam, or gel – as well as a combination of dressings. Foot ulcers can also be managed with topical treatments with silver or silver sulphadiazine cream.

 

 

Managing Chronic Wounds

There is no one dressing that can manage different wounds. Each wound has its own characteristics and needs its own form of treatment. These are the commonly used dressings for chronic wounds:

 

  • Alginate – a highly absorbent dressing that forms a gel when it comes into contact with the surface of the wound, helping it heal quickly. This is used on ulcers since it is made from seaweed and also contains sodium and calcium – all of which can quicken the healing process.

 

  • Film – a transparent film put over a wound for ease of monitoring and blocks water and microorganisms from passing through. This can be used on those who suffer from ulcers to keep the wound clean and dry, as well as to prevent infection.

 

  • Foam – creates a moist environment to allow a wound to heal. Like a transparent film, it prevents bacteria and other contaminants from getting to the wound. It is made of polyurethane and is designed to absorb wound exudates.

 

  • Hydrocolloid – composed of a hydrocolloid matrix with a water-resistant outer layer. Like foam dressings, it creates a moist healing environment and is self-adherent, making it easy to apply.

 

  • Hydrogel – made of around 96% water suspended in a gel base. It is designed to absorb exudates from the wound or rehydrate it.

 

 

While there are topical treatments and bandages available to treat different types of wounds of chronic nature, it’s advisable to see a specialist to better address the issue. With board-certified vascular and wound care surgeons, the San Diego Wound Care Center can provide the care needed at every step of the healing process.

 

 

 

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.

infected wound - hospital

4 Tips to Preventing Surgical Wound Infection

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Surgical wound infection is the most common type of hospital infection, and it is also the most expensive. In the United States alone, 300,000 patients suffer from an infected wound every year, but this number can be decreased significantly with proper wound care and management.

Here are four tips to prevent surgical wound infection and promote faster wound healing:

Proper Hand Washing

As common as it is, proper hand washing is still not practiced by most people, but it is very important, especially for those with surgical wounds. Good hand washing should include the use of soap and lukewarm water and it should be done for at least 30 seconds.

Proper hand washing is the first line of defense against an infected wound and it should be practiced as often as possible by both patients and healthcare practitioners. While hand sanitizer is an acceptable alternative, proper hand washing is still the most effective way to clean your hands to prevent infection, especially when you are caring for your incision.

Proper Wound Closure

There are three types of wound closure that promote proper healing and prevent infection. Primary wound closure is done on a clean wound in through sterile technique and the use of proper sutures or adhesive closure materials.

Secondary primary closure means leaving the wound deliberately open as part of a delayed primary closure staging technique. Tertiary wound closure, on the other hand, means leaving a wound initially open after debridement.

It can also mean the repair of an existing wound after it was left open or has been left untreated. This is used for infected wounds with high bacterial content, those that were left untreated for a long time after injury and those with a severe crush component.

Proper Wound Dressing 

Proper wound dressing is one of the most effective ways to keep from developing an infected wound. Depending on the type of wound, clinicians will recommend a specific type of dressing to keep the area clean and dry.

Simple techniques involving washing your wound with a mild antibacterial soap and applying a clean, dry bandage after it is completely dry can also be used. The use of harsh cleaners such as alcohol and hydrogen peroxide is not recommended. The removal of scabs also requires the expertise of clinicians or other healthcare practitioners.

Proper Prescription

It is common for surgeons to prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to patients after surgery, and they should be taken religiously following the right dosage and timing.

Never stop taking antibiotics if you feel some side effects or if you feel that you don’t need it anymore. Completing a cycle of antibiotics is very important in controlling infection and in preventing antibiotic resistance, which could lead to worse complications.

There are many ways to keep an infected wound at bay. You don’t have to suffer the complications of an infection if you follow proper techniques following your surgery. It’s also very important to work with your healthcare providers in ensuring your incision heals properly and without any problems.

 

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.

wound infection

The Telltale Signs of Wound Infection and What You Can Do to Avoid It

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We all get wounded at some point in our life. Whether it’s through a freak accident or due to an underlying health condition, having a wound can really take a toll on you because of the pain and hassle it can cause. Wound care is also considered one of the most expensive types of treatment, which adds to the burden of it all.

 

 

But just when you think things can’t get any worse, there is the risk for getting an infection, especially if your wound is not treated properly. Here are some of the most common signs of wound infection that you should watch out for and a few tips on how to avoid it:

 

 

Fever

 

Fever is one of the body’s first reactions to the presence of infection. While low-grade fever is common after surgery, having a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit may be an indication that you have wound infection. So, if you have a fever, make sure to consult your physician immediately to get proper treatments under way before your condition gets worse.

 

 

Persistent Pain

 

It is common to feel pain during the first few days from being injured, but it should subside as your wound heals. But if you continue to feel pain, especially if it increases in intensity, it could be one of the signs of wound infection.

 

 

Body Malaise

 

Malaise is a feeling of extra tiredness or sleepiness even after you’ve rested, and this could be a sign of a systemic wound infection. While you may generally feel weak for a couple of days after your injury or surgery, you should feel better day-by-day, especially with medication and rest. But if you suddenly feel very exhausted, you might want to have your wound checked by a doctor to see if it’s infected.

 

 

Foul Discharges

 

Most fresh wounds will have clear or slightly yellow-colored fluid drainage, but this should subside as the wound heals. In the case of an infected wound, however, fluid drainage becomes green or cloudy and has a foul smell, which should prompt the need for treatment so the proper dressings and medication will be applied to the wound to prevent further complications.

 

 

Tips on Avoiding Wound Infection

 

The good thing about wound infection is that it can be avoided completely by following these tips:

 

 

  • After incurring your wound, make sure to wash it with soap and water right away. Also, practice proper hand washing before handling your wound to avoid contamination.

 

  • Keep your wound clean and dry at all times by changing dressing daily and covering it with bandage or gauze dressing. You can also apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

 

  • Adhere to your medication schedule and follow your doctor’s recommendations on the right food to eat, proper hydration and other things to help promote faster wound healing.

 

 

 

An infection is one of the worst complications that you can experience when you have a wound. But you can avoid it completely by following what your healthcare team says and by taking responsibility in keeping your wound clean, dry and properly covered at all times.

 

 

 

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.

diabetic wound treatment

5 Key Factors in Diabetic Wound Treatment and Healing

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Diabetes Mellitus continues to afflict millions of people around the world. In fact, it is estimated that by 2030, 550 million around the world will have diabetes, 25% of which will develop foot ulcers during their lifetime often requiring diabetic wound treatment.

 

 

It is a known fact that diabetes slows down wound healing due to poor circulation, neuropathy and immune system deficiency. This is why these five key factors should be considered during diabetic wound treatment:

 

 

Proper Wound Assessment

 

Proper assessment is always the first step to effective wound treatment. Diabetic wounds are classified as neuropathic, ischemic and neuroischemic and each category has specific features that should be identified to help create an effective wound treatment plan and avoid long-term complications. Proper wound assessment also helps identify wound progression and the onset of infection so necessary measures can be undertaken.

 

 

Infection Control and Prevention

 

Diabetic wounds have an alarmingly high five-year mortality rate, most of which are caused by infections. This is why infection control is crucial to an effective diabetic wound treatment plan. Even the slightest sign of infection should warrant treatment right away.

 

 

Topical antibiotics are commonly used to reduce bacteria and prevent infection from spreading more into the wound. Regular wound dressings are also necessary to protect against further contamination and promote faster wound healing by keeping the affected area moist.

 

 

 

Tissue Debridement

 

Aside from regular wound dressings, wound debridement is also an effective way to enhance wound healing and prevent infection. Removing necrotic tissue from a wound allows for better wound drainage and increases the efficiency of the wound dressing. There are different types of wound drainage but sharp debridement is the most common technique used by clinicians.

 

 

 

Pressure Reduction

 

One of the most important factors to include in a diabetic wound treatment plan is the reduction or pressure in the affected area to prevent further complications. A non-removable total contact cast (TCC) is usually recommended to redistribute pressure evenly throughout the affected area. But for infected wounds, other devices are used including healing sandals and cast walkers.

 

 

 

Balancing Moisture

 

Successful wound healing relies heavily on the choice of a proper dressing, as it helps maintain the right moisture in the affected area for the wound to drain and heal properly. Alginates, films and hydrocolloids are common dressing choices, but proper assessment needs to be done first to determine the right wound dressing to be used for a patient.

 

 

 

Patients suffering from diabetes go through a great deal of pain, stress and hassle. Add a wound into the picture and their experience gets worse. But the reality is, 15% of diabetic patients will experience wounds and more than 24% of them will require an amputation. In fact, diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputation in the United States.

 

 

But this lifelong complication can be prevented with proper wound treatment considering these five important factors. After all, diabetic patients deserve to enjoy the best quality of life despite their health condition and this can be achieved with proper management.

 

 

 

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.