Healing Chronic Wounds the Right Way

There are a number of reasons why we can end up with wounds that won't heal. From diabetes to old age and a host of things in between, many people will have to face a wound that won't heal at some point or another. Living with a wound that just won’t heal can be both mentally and physically stressful. We become vulnerable to infection and the constant care of the wound can be draining. But a new treatment option may provide renewed hope for fully healing chronic wounds. Let’s look at this innovative option that can help chronic wounds heal the right way.

What is a Chronic Wound?

A chronic wound is a wound that won’t heal or takes a very long time to heal. These wounds may be from surgery, health problems, injuries, or any other issue that causes damage to the skin. They often stall out in one of the phases of healing, and that’s most often the inflammation phase.

Pressure sores, diabetic foot ulcers, and other types of wounds in that category may be particularly difficult to heal. It can take months for these wounds to clear up as diabetes itself slows healing. The wounds never heal at all in some people, which may take a physical and emotional toll. The risk of infection remains high for chronic wounds, and they generally require ongoing care. 

What Are the Typical Treatments for Chronic Wounds?

Typically, wound-care specialists treat a chronic wound with regular cleaning and bandaging. If the wound doesn’t heal despite this type of care, a wound vac or skin graft may be an additional option. Doctors don’t take these measures right away because someone must have a non-healing wound for at least eight weeks before wound-care professionals consider it chronic.

Weakened immune systems, health problems (e.g. diabetes), and poor circulation may all contribute to a lack of healing for chronic wounds. Caregivers treat these wounds with saline solution, antibiotics, debridement, and other methods, but getting them to heal properly might still be challenging. So what else can we do?

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment?

It turns out that hyperbaric oxygen treatment could be the next important step in chronic wound care. This treatment exposes the body to 100% oxygen. By increasing the oxygen pressure and concentration above normal atmospheric conditions, wounds can sometimes heal better. The theory with hyperbaric oxygen treatment is that increasing blood oxygen levels may speed healing from the inside out. 

There are a few ways to use hyperbaric oxygen for healing chronic wounds. One is through complete immersion through the use of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Patients experience 100% oxygen at high pressure. Most sessions last between 30 minutes and two hours.  The treatments have been pretty successful in helping people overcome chronic wounds.

More than one session is usually needed. Actually, it may take more than 40 treatments for a non-healing wound. Typically, this therapy is part of a comprehensive treatment plan offered by a patient’s healthcare team.

Anyone with a chronic wound should work closely with their doctor to ensure they get the best treatment for their needs. And remember that wound care specialists may have more up-to-date information than a primary care physician. Chronic wounds may have different causes, and treating the cause may also help the wound to heal more fully. Close consultation with the appropriate healthcare provider is the key to finding the best treatment option for healing any chronic wound. 

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