Wound care

Wound care and wound management are essential in medical practice to maintain the health of patients and promote wound healing. Wound care involves the systematic cleaning and treatment of wounds, while wound management includes the application of appropriate dressings and therapies to support the healing process.

When done correctly, the two together go a long way to prevent complications such as infection or inflammation and speed up healing. Proper care also helps to alleviate pain and promote the formation of new tissue. Individual needs are considered through patient-centered care that addresses the specific requirements and conditions of those affected, such as living conditions or factors such as age and pre-existing conditions.

Interdisciplinary collaboration between doctors, nurses and other care providers makes it possible to combine the expertise and skills of different professionals and provide comprehensive care. Doctors play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of wounds by identifying the underlying causes and developing an appropriate treatment plan. They are responsible for prescribing medication and monitoring the healing process.

Nurses are directly involved in daily care and implement the treatment plan. They clean wounds, change dressings and administer medication and closely monitor and document the healing process. They are often the first to recognize signs of complications and take appropriate action or seek consultation.

Other service providers such as physiotherapists can also make an important contribution to care. They help to mobilize patients as part of rehabilitation measures in such a way that wound healing is not impaired. This is relevant after surgical procedures or accidents, for example, but also if prolonged immobilization is the cause of wound development (bedsores).

Collaboration between the various professionals ensures holistic and comprehensive care that guarantees the best possible treatment success. Through a coordinated approach, the players in the healthcare system can make optimal use of their resources and provide high-quality care that is tailored to individual needs.

Interdisciplinary collaboration between doctors, nurses and other care providers makes it possible to combine the expertise and skills of different professionals and provide comprehensive care. Doctors play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of wounds by identifying the underlying causes and developing an appropriate treatment plan. They are responsible for prescribing medication and monitoring the healing process.

Nurses are directly involved in daily care and implement the treatment plan. They clean wounds, change dressings and administer medication and closely monitor and document the healing process. They are often the first to recognize signs of complications and take appropriate action or seek consultation.

Other service providers such as physiotherapists can also make an important contribution to care. They help to mobilize patients as part of rehabilitation measures in such a way that wound healing is not impaired. This is relevant after surgical procedures or accidents, for example, but also if prolonged immobilization is the cause of wound development (bedsores).

Collaboration between the various professionals ensures holistic and comprehensive care that guarantees the best possible treatment success. Through a coordinated approach, the players in the healthcare system can make optimal use of their resources and provide high-quality care that is tailored to individual needs.

Training and further education in the field of wound care is diverse and covers a wide range of topics. They include courses on basic knowledge as well as specialized training on advanced wound treatment methods and new technologies. In Germany, for example, there is further training in "Certified Wound Management".

Such training courses always include practical workshops in which nursing staff have the opportunity to improve their skills in wound cleansing, the correct application of wound dressings and assessment and documentation.

This training and education can be obtained in various ways. Many hospitals and care facilities offer internal training programs that are specifically tailored to the needs of their staff. In addition, there are external training providers that offer courses and certification programs. Professional societies offer conferences and symposia where nurses have the opportunity to share the latest developments and best practices in wound care and learn from experts in the field.

Acute wounds are caused by sudden injuries such as cuts, abrasions or burns.

In contrast, chronic wounds are often caused by underlying health problems, such as diabetes, circulatory disorders, or pressure sores (decubitus ulcers). Each type of wound requires individual treatment.

Different types of wounds may be associated with specific complications or sequelae that require specific treatment to prevent or minimize them. For example, burns can have serious consequences such as scarring, infection or even necrosis. To prevent such complications, adequate cooling of the affected area and proper treatment and covering of the injured area is required. In extreme cases, skin and tissue transplants are also used. With diabetic foot wounds, there is a risk of ulcers, which can lead to serious complications, including amputation. Regular inspections of the feet, good blood sugar control and correct care are crucial to prevent such consequential damage.

Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure sores, can lead to tissue damage that can extend to the bones. To prevent pressure sores, patients need to be repositioned regularly to prevent pressure sores. Pressure relief measures such as special mattresses also help. Initial approaches in which pressure sensors and image recognition are used to recognize the positioning of patients in bed and thus prevent bedsores are already being tested.

Cuts and puncture wounds can cause infections if they are not cleaned and treated properly. The use of sterile instruments and proper cleaning and draping are crucial to prevent this.

Individual risk assessment and treatment of each wound type is of great importance to prevent complications. In many cases, preventative measures can also be taken to minimize risks, such as training patients and, where appropriate, caregivers in proper wound care.

Different treatment options are available for each type of wound. These include various materials such as wound dressings and bandages, which are selected depending on the type and severity of the injury. Deeper or chronic wounds may require more intensive treatment, including the use of special medications or surgical procedures to fight infection or remove necrosis. Early diagnosis and targeted therapy are crucial here.

Surgical wounds must be closed quickly and reliably to prevent bleeding and ensure patient safety. This is particularly important when it comes to operations on internal organs or softer tissue that cannot be sutured well with surgical suture material. Special wound adhesives are then used. Empa in Switzerland is also researching wound closure by soldering with light and heat.

Many different technologies for wound treatment have been developed in recent years:

1. Electronic measuring systems: Used to monitor the wound environment, which enables a more accurate assessment of healing progress. Flexible sensors, often made of printed electronics, are used here to measure moisture and pH content, for example, and warn of negative changes in the environment.
2. Bioactive wound dressings: These dressings contain active ingredients such as growth factors or antimicrobial substances. Hydrogels, combined with the body's own cells, and collagen-containing materials that support the formation of new tissue are also being tested – such as the bioresorbable membrane RENACER. One method of combating wound infections is described in our interview on probiotic wound dressings.
3. Negative pressure therapy: This form of therapy uses negative pressure to promote blood circulation, which can accelerate healing.
4. Cryotherapy: The application of cold can reduce inflammation and relieve pain, which can be particularly helpful for treatment of smaller wounds.
5. 3D-printed wound dressings: 3D printing can be used to produce customized wound dressings that offer an optimal fit and functionality. Bioactive materials can also be processed here.
6. Artificial intelligence (AI): AI systems and image recognition can be used for standardized observation of chronic wounds and the wound edge. This allows changes to be assessed objectively.
7. Cold plasma: The use of ionized gas accelerates healing and is effective against pathogens. You can find out more details in our interview about a mobile cold plasma device.

You can also find an overview of technical measures in our topic of the month "Aids for better healing".

Everything starts with thorough cleaning to remove dirt, bacteria and other foreign bodies. A suitable dressing is then applied to protect the injured area and support a moist healing environment. If necessary, ointments or medication can also be used to speed up healing and relieve pain. Regular check-ups and dressing changes are also important to monitor the healing process and ensure that everything heals without complications.

The cleaning of wounds by specialist personnel is carried out in accordance with hygiene regulations and with suitable active ingredients to ensure thorough removal of dirt and pathogens. Various criteria play a role in the selection of a wound dressing, including the size and type of injury, the presence of exudate (wound secretions) and the individual needs of the affected person. Ointments and medication are applied depending on the type and stage of the wound, and active substances such as antibiotics, antiseptics or active substances that promote healing may be used.

Regular checks and dressing changes are carried out in accordance with the doctor's instructions and wound care standards. Attention is paid to signs of infection or other complications and the condition of the surrounding tissue is also assessed. The process of changing dressings can be made more comfortable and safe for patients with the right aids.

1. Proper cleaning: Rinse fresh wounds under running water to remove dirt and bacteria.
2. Disinfection: Disinfect the area around the wound with a suitable disinfectant. It is also best to disinfect your hands before and after contact with the wound, but at least wash them thoroughly with soap.
3. Proper dressing technique: Apply a sterile dressing and wound pad to protect the area and promote a moist healing environment. Pay attention to the expiration date indicated on the packaging of all materials!
4. Measures to promote healing: Also pay attention to hygiene during any subsequent contact with the wound area. Protect the corresponding body part, as movement and strain can damage the newly formed tissue again.
5. Regular checks: Check the wound regularly for signs of complications and seek medical help if necessary.

In order to effectively prevent infections, it is crucial to clean wounds regularly and thoroughly and to use sterile dressing material. Patients should also be advised to protect the wound from external influences.

In the case of an infection, rapid and targeted treatment is essential. This may include the administration of antibiotics, the removal of infected tissue or other specific measures. Close cooperation between those affected and medical professionals is important to ensure adherence to treatment.

Other measures can be taken to speed up and improve healing, such as the use of antiseptic solutions or ointments and of anti-inflammatory medication, if prescribed.

It is important to maintain hygienic standards when changing dressings. The dressing should be changed regularly to maintain a moist and clean healing environment and promote wound healing.

Continuous monitoring and professional care are required when dealing with chronic, especially diabetic, wounds. Those affected should receive regular medical examinations and personalized treatment to minimize the risk of complications and promote the healing process. In addition, specialized wound dressings and therapies, such as pressure relief and moisturizing measures, can be used to improve the quality of life of those affected.

An overview of products and suppliers for the treatment of injuries can be found in the MEDICA exhibitor and product database under "Products for wound treatment".