Wound Healing The scientific evidence is now conclusive that the best way to heal a wound is not to allow it to dry and create a crust. The human body is composed of many cells and a lot of water. Cells manage to perform their functions in a more constructive manner within a fluid environment. The consequence of this knowledge is the production of dressings and devices to aid the body in healing a wound within a balanced moist environment. The health clinician caring for your wound will assess relevant aspects and plan the appropriate care.

An understanding of the wounds needs is obtained through a thorough assessment of the wounded patient. Assessment requires the clinician to ask many questions pertaining to past medical and surgical history together with current medication history. This information is then added to the assessment of the wound tissue and surrounding skin in order to establish the correct diagnosis and reveal all factors that may inhibit or delay healing.

When the clinician is satisfied that a thorough history has been obtained a treatment regime is planned. Planning involves setting both short and long term goals. The longer term is complete healing but in the short term, goals may include the removal of any dead tissue or promoting healthy new growth of tissue. Products have been developed to achieve these goals and your wound clinician will advise you of the dressings needed to heal the wound.

Dressings are generally classified according to their function so you may require dressings to: •  Absorb the ooze coming from the wound •  Protect the new tissue growing in the wound •  Help to remove the dead/dirty tissue in the wound •  Encourage new skin to grow over the healthy red

tissue •  Help to reduce bacteria/bugs in the wound •  Protect the skin around the wound

Some dressings come in forms that adhere to the skin in order to be waterproof and some are not waterproof. Your health clinician will inform you about what you need to do to keep your dressings in good order and dry if necessary. If no adhesive/waterproof dressing is used then you will require some form of tape or bandage to hold the dressing in the correct place and prevent slippage and ensure that it stays dry during shower or other daily activities.

There are many forms of bandages available. Some bandages are used to hold the dressings in place and some are used to assist in reducing swelling of the tissue surrounding the wound. It is important that when a health professional applies a dressing or a bandage to your wound they explain the purpose of these so that you are completely informed and have an understanding of the short term treatment aims.

“None of us is as smart as all of us. Work closely with your team” Anonymous By Jan Rice Jan Rice & Bill McGuiness LaTrobe University, World of Wounds.