Why don't wounds heal?

1. Topical antibiotics should not be used in case of colonization or infection.  Antibiotics do not penetrate the biofilm layer in the wound bed.  It can be replaced with antiseptics and dressings containing antibacterial substances (for example, silver sulfadiazine).

2. It is not necessary to apply hydrogen peroxide and boric acid to wounds, as they destroy healthy cells within the wound. Instead, you can use chlorhexidine, which, with prolonged use, increases resistance to Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

3. Bandages and antiseptics must be pharmaceutical compatible, for example, Betadine should not be used with coatings containing silver, Octenidine.

4. Antiseptics based on polyhexanide (prontosan) or octenidine (octenisept) cannot be used on wounds with open cartilage or bones.

5. It is not possible to use compression therapy for ischemic wounds (with the exception of compression of the lower limb with compression bandages or compression medical products in order to reduce swelling and improve venous outflow in the treatment of venous ulcers).

6. Dry necrosis cannot be removed in ischemic wounds.

7. Wounds should not be wet.  Wash wounds with soap, treat with antiseptic solutions - yes, but do not soak them)

8. In case of deep, strongly exuding or infected wounds, a combination of dressings in the form of a "sandwich" should be used.

9. Wound therapy should include diet therapy (adequate balanced nutrition).

10. The condition of the wound should be monitored regularly.

Author: Doctor-surgeon Galina Sayan.