Wounds are created when there is a break in the integrity of the skin. Wounds can be categorized as either clean, contaminated, clean and contaminated and finally, dirty wounds. Clean wounds are those created by surgeons as they make incisions. Clean contaminated wounds come about when either the gastrointestinal, respiratory or genitourinary tract is breached but without a sign of active infection. If signs of infection are present, the wound is said to be contaminated. Wound debridement is indicated for dirty, chronic wounds.
When a surgical wound is complicated by foreign bodies such as bullets, wood or metal, the affected tissues are said to be dirty since they usually ooze large amounts of pus among others signs of infection. This can happen acutely if the foreign body was originally full of harmful bacteria. In other circumstances, it may take a while for a dirty environment to occur as bacteria take time to accumulate. Removal of the foreign object needs to be timely so as to minimize the chances of dirty wound creation.
It takes time for necrotic tissues to spread and cover larger areas. It also takes some time for a bad smell to be detected. One does not need to wait for such extensive complications to set in for them to seek intervention. Infection prevention and rapid healing should begin with the person who has sustained the injury at home or in a work setting. One should ensure that the wound is tentatively dressed to minimise bacterial entry. They should then seek medical care as soon as possible in which case measures such as administration of antibiotics as prophylaxis.
When normal tissues are exposed to the environment, they are at risk of getting infected by the many bacteria that exist in nature. Once bacteria get in contact with vulnerable skin, the body immediately mounts an immune response. The cells responsible for fighting infection (white blood cells) are transported to the site of bacteria. These cells release substances that are toxic to the survival of the bacteria inside the body. In the event that the immune system fails to correct the anomaly, pus begins to form and the tissues begin to decay.
Debridement of wounds can be achieved using a number of techniques. The commonest form is that which involves the use of surgical methods. Here, the necrotic tissues can be literally removed manually with the help of certain surgical equipment. Depending on how much tissue needs to be extracted, local or general anaesthesia can be incorporated. Use of tissue breakdown (autolysis) by special chemicals is another way to achieve debridement.
Occasionally, maggots can be utilized to manage certain wounds. They work by consuming the bacteria deposited in a given area and prevent its spread to the rest of the body. The only downside to this is that it may not be pleasant site to behold.
Once the decomposed tissues have been removed, the area is dressed and given time to heal. In the event that the area is too large to allow for natural re-growth of new tissues, grafting may be required. Grafting uses portions of human tissue from elsewhere to replace those lost around the decayed area. The graft will usually take up the blood supply of the destination area and integrate with the new found environment.
The important thing to remember is that all wounds need to be given maximum attention to prevent complications. Wounds may take longer to heal for patients with underlying diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Sterility needs to be given priority when managing any break in skin to expedite the healing process.
When a surgical wound is complicated by foreign bodies such as bullets, wood or metal, the affected tissues are said to be dirty since they usually ooze large amounts of pus among others signs of infection. This can happen acutely if the foreign body was originally full of harmful bacteria. In other circumstances, it may take a while for a dirty environment to occur as bacteria take time to accumulate. Removal of the foreign object needs to be timely so as to minimize the chances of dirty wound creation.
It takes time for necrotic tissues to spread and cover larger areas. It also takes some time for a bad smell to be detected. One does not need to wait for such extensive complications to set in for them to seek intervention. Infection prevention and rapid healing should begin with the person who has sustained the injury at home or in a work setting. One should ensure that the wound is tentatively dressed to minimise bacterial entry. They should then seek medical care as soon as possible in which case measures such as administration of antibiotics as prophylaxis.
When normal tissues are exposed to the environment, they are at risk of getting infected by the many bacteria that exist in nature. Once bacteria get in contact with vulnerable skin, the body immediately mounts an immune response. The cells responsible for fighting infection (white blood cells) are transported to the site of bacteria. These cells release substances that are toxic to the survival of the bacteria inside the body. In the event that the immune system fails to correct the anomaly, pus begins to form and the tissues begin to decay.
Debridement of wounds can be achieved using a number of techniques. The commonest form is that which involves the use of surgical methods. Here, the necrotic tissues can be literally removed manually with the help of certain surgical equipment. Depending on how much tissue needs to be extracted, local or general anaesthesia can be incorporated. Use of tissue breakdown (autolysis) by special chemicals is another way to achieve debridement.
Occasionally, maggots can be utilized to manage certain wounds. They work by consuming the bacteria deposited in a given area and prevent its spread to the rest of the body. The only downside to this is that it may not be pleasant site to behold.
Once the decomposed tissues have been removed, the area is dressed and given time to heal. In the event that the area is too large to allow for natural re-growth of new tissues, grafting may be required. Grafting uses portions of human tissue from elsewhere to replace those lost around the decayed area. The graft will usually take up the blood supply of the destination area and integrate with the new found environment.
The important thing to remember is that all wounds need to be given maximum attention to prevent complications. Wounds may take longer to heal for patients with underlying diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Sterility needs to be given priority when managing any break in skin to expedite the healing process.
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