We’ve already discussed problems with wound healing that occur during the inflammatory and proliferative phases of wound healing. Next we’ll take a look at what can go wrong during the maturation and remodeling stage of wound healing. Hypertrophic Scarring Hypertrophic scarring occurs when there is an overproduction of immature collagen during the maturation phase of…
In part one of this series, we discussed abnormal wound healing in terms of too much or too little inflammation (absence of inflammation versus chronic inflammation). The inflammatory phase is not the only phase of healing in which healing can be derailed- it can also happen in the proliferative phase, where granulation takes place. Hypogranulation…
Although we often think of the inflammatory process as something undesirable, inflammation as a process is vital to wound healing. Wounds generally progress through the phases of wound healing in an orderly fashion, but sometimes one of the phases of wound healing is altered or interrupted by internal or external factors, leading to abnormal wound…
In addition to noting the characteristics of the wound itself, clinicians should also examine the periwound and the surrounding skin, comparing this tissue to the skin outside the affected area, as well as comparing the opposite (contralateral) side where possible. Structure and Quality When assessing the periwound and surrounding skin, the following should be noted:…
Diagnostic tests can be an important part of wound assessment, providing valuable information about the patient’s health status as well as the patient’s potential for healing. Although you as a practitioner may not order all of these tests, tests are often available as part of the patient file or may be requested from the patient’s…
Scar formation is a major medical problem that can have devastating consequences for patients. The adverse physiological and psychological effects of scars are immense, and there are currently no reliable treatments to prevent scarring.1 It has been known since the 1970s that cutaneous wounds in early human fetuses, unlike those of adults, can heal without…
Previous articles in this series have considered the importance of a full patient examination and systems review as part of a wound assessment. While these elements are essential and provide a great deal of vital information, nothing can substitute for a thorough and detailed assessment of the wound itself. A careful wound examination is important…
In previous articles, we have looked at the basic differences between chronic wounds and acute wounds and have considered some of the macroscopic factors that are responsible for the development of a chronic wound through abnormal wound healing. This article will look at some of the differences between the two types of wound on a…
When assessing a wound for the first time, it’s important to look at extenuating factors that may have contributed to formation of the wound, as well as factors that may influence healing of the wound. In addition to looking at lifestyle, past and current medical and wound history, diagnostics such as lab tests, functional status…
Excessive scar formation results from an abnormal physiologic response to an injury deep in the dermis, including burn injury, laceration, abrasion, or surgery (Figure 1).1–3 Elevated fibrous scars that extend beyond the borders of the original wound and usually occur after excision are known as keloids, while hypertrophic scars are maintained within the initial site…
| Cookie | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
| cookielawinfo-checbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
| cookielawinfo-checbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
| viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
