Family Physician
View Profile
Primary Care
Chronic Wound Care
Prevent cuts, sores, and bruises from becoming life threatening
Wounds are classified as chronic if they do not heal within 1-3 months. Tissue in and around the wound necrotizes, or dies, and prevents new tissue from forming.
Consult your primary care physician if you notice any cuts, sores, or bruises that do not heal on their own.
Treatment for chronic wounds begins with an assessment of damage and the underlying cause. Your care provider will debride, or cut away necrotic tissue. The area is cleaned, any pus is drained, and topical antibiotic ointment is applied. If necessary, surgical sutures are used to close gaps. The wound is then dressed to protect and speed up healing.
Signs of Infection in Wound
Persistent or throbbing pain. Swelling. Pus. Clear or yellow discharge. Unpleasant smell. Redness of area around the wound. Chills. Fever.
Common Chronic Wounds
Diabetic foot ulcers (often on the balls of feet), pressure ulcers (bedsores), and venous ulcers (caused by blood pooling in the legs).
Types of Dressing
Depending on its location, size, and depth, your doctor will dress your wound using either one or a combination of gel, foam, film, and gauze.
Frequently asked questions
Patients with poor blood circulation, nerve damage, diabetes, and weakened immune systems are at high risk of developing chronic wounds. Limited mobility and being confined to the bed results in pressure sores.
That depends on the kind of dressing. If yours is not waterproof, use plastic food wrap or cover it with a plastic bag to protect. Showering is preferable as it minimizes the risk of bandages getting soaked.
New human tissue cells are born only when there is adequate moisture to nourish them. Air-drying enables scabs to form, but with chronic wounds a scab does not mean the wound has healed.
Absolutely. Tap water is clean and because there’s plenty of it, you can wash the wound as thoroughly as needed. Use a cotton pad or gauze to clean the wound with a gentle patting motion.
Avoiding the wound itself, moisturize the surrounding skin with an unperfumed, undyed, hydrating lotion. Oil and petroleum jelly aren’t very effective as they form a protective barrier that prevents water loss, but don’t add water to skin.
Headshots of doctors providing the service
IntraCare Health Center provider
IntraCare Health Center
IntraCare Health Center – Bedford
1305 Airport Freeway suite 405, Bedford, TX 76021, USA
View Profile IntraCare Health Center – Fort Worth
2720 Western Center Blvd unit 312, Fort Worth, TX 76131, USA
View Profile IntraCare Health Center – Mansfield
1752 Broad Park Cir N ste 114, Mansfield, TX 76063, USA
View Profile IntraCare Health Center – Weatherford (CLOSED)
750 Eureka St, Suite B, Weatherford, TX 76086
View Profile IntraCare Health Center – Gainesville
1625 North Grand Avenue, Gainesville, TX 76240, USA
View Profile IntraCare Health Center – Lillo Family Medicine
3501 N Scottsdale Rd unit 231, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
View Profile East Valley Family Physicians – IntraCare Health Center
1455 W Chandler Blvd Building A Suite 4, Chandler, AZ 85224
View Profile IntraCare Health Center – Broadway East Internists
7525 E Broadway Rd suite 2, Mesa, AZ 85208
View Profile IntraCare Health Center – Sun Lakes Family Physicians
10450 E Riggs Rd Ste 114, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248, USA
View Profile