Understanding the Different Types of Wounds

Any wound can increase your risk for infection and other health complications. That’s why at Advanced Surgical Associates of Northern Minnesota, board-certified general surgeon Dr. John Bollins, offers comprehensive wound care services to reduce these potentially serious risks.

Dr. John Bollins’ office is fully equipped with diagnostic and treatment options for a variety of acute and chronic wounds. He has extensive experience evaluating and treating different types of wounds.

An overview of wound types

The purpose of this blog is to discuss acute and chronic wounds. It must be first noted, however, that there is a technical difference between wounds and injuries. The term “injury” is a broad term that can describe anything from an abrasion to a broken bone. The term “wound'' is a narrow term that is generally used to describe trauma to the skin and nearby tissues, such as cuts and bedsores.

And to narrow the scope even further, wounds are categorized as acute or chronic.

Acute wounds

An acute wound is an injury to your skin you get suddenly, such as from a cut or fall. Acute wounds can range from a superficial abrasion on the surface of your skin to a deeper puncture wound that damages the nerves, blood vessels, and nearby tissues.

These wounds tend to heal predictably with home care, but they may require a specialist, such as Dr. Bollins, to thoroughly clean the area and apply stitches to improve the efficiency of the healing process.

Chronic wounds

Chronic wounds describe wounds that don’t heal properly. Nonhealing wounds can lead to permanent skin damage, serious infections, and persistent pain.

You may develop chronic wounds due to an infection, burn, or following a surgery. If you have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or vascular disease, you may also be at an increased risk for developing chronic wounds.

If underlying medical conditions cause a disability that confines you to a chair or bed, it’s also possible to develop chronic wounds from the continuous pressure on your skin and from the lack of movement.

Different types of chronic wounds

Chronic wounds can be serious and complex. Dr. Bollins has vast experience in diagnosing and treating many types of chronic wounds. Some of the chronic wound types Dr. Bollins treats includes:

Arterial ulcers

Arterial ulcers develop because of poor circulation in the feet and legs. This type of wound can cause intense pain when you elevate your legs or after you participate in physical activity.

Diabetic ulcers

Diabetic ulcers generally occur in the foot, heel, and toes due to uncontrolled diabetes. Because diabetes can cause nerve damage that leads to the loss of feeling in your feet, you may not notice you have this type of wound, and your condition may worsen quickly.

Pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, develop when you’re confined to one place. Pressure on your skin can cause painful wounds. This type of wound most commonly affects areas around your spine, shoulder blades, and back of your head.

Traumatic ulcers

Injuries from a fall, car accident, or other traumatic event can damage multiple layers of your skin. This type of wound can also harm your arteries, veins, and lymphatic system, which can lead to persistent pain and increase your risk for infection.

Dr. Bollins can also address post-surgical wounds that are slow to heal or that don’t heal properly.

Treating wounds

First, Dr. Bollins thoroughly examines your wound and devops a treatment plan. The initial treatment for a wound is to clean away debris and bacteria and apply a dressing to protect your skin. Dr. Bollins may also provide other nonsurgical treatments to care for your wound, including topical medications and pain relievers.

If you have a severe or chronic wound, you may be a candidate for surgery. Dr. Bollins specializes in advanced techniques, including skin graft surgery, to ensure your wound heals fully.

If you need treatment for an acute or chronic wound, Dr. Bollins can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Advanced Surgical Associates of Northern Minnesota today.