Do you have an open wound that never heals? Beware: it can be the gateway to disease. Called chronic wounds, they are a serious public health problem in Brazil, affecting more than 5 million people.

Chronic wounds do not follow what would be the satisfactory recovery time, and can take up to years in treatment. Usually, these wounds are related to pre-existing problems, such as diabetic foot, varicose ulcers, pressure sores or infected wounds. Check below the main causes of this problem, and how the treatment is done.

The causes of chronic wounds

Chronic wounds are wounds that are difficult to heal. They usually appear after the wrong choice of dressing, as well as failure to treat the cause of the wound. In this sense, one of the diseases that favor the appearance of chronic wounds is diabetes. The disease, which affects 15.7 million Brazilians according to the International Diabetes Federation, causes injuries that are difficult to treat and thatcomplicate the patient's entire condition.

"The loss of skin integrity allows the entrance of microorganisms that can cause infections in the skin and other noble tissues, such as muscles, tendons and bones, for example. Some chronic conditions favor the appearance of these infections, such as vascular insufficiency, diabetes, leprosy, sickle cell anemia, epidermolysis bullosa, among others", says Antônio Rangel, a nursestomatherapist.

Vascular ulcers are wounds that appear on the lower limbs, legs and feet of people with venous or arterial insufficiency. These wounds are generally difficult to heal and remain for a long time.on the wound itself and on the skin," says Rangel.

Other causes

The diabetic foot, in turn, is responsible for bone, joint, and neuropathic alterations in the foot of people with diabetes. It usually appears when there is not a good control of the glucose levels in the blood, diminishing the immune response and increasing the circulatory problems. "The infection can worsen and evolve to gangrene, with infection in the bones of the feet and, in more serious cases,need for amputations," he says.

Epidermolysis bullosa, on the other hand, is a genetic, non-contagious disease that happens due to a collagen deficiency in the skin. It causes blisters and sores spontaneously at any touch or friction. Thus, due to these constant injuries, it is common for the sores on the skin to produce purulent discharge, pain, and discomfort.

Treatment of chronic wounds

Brazil is a reference in the development of treatments for skin lesions. recently, with the advance of technology, researchers have launched several resources. a cellulose-based membrane, for example, regenerates the skin in record time, while isolating the nerve endings, reducing pain. "the regenerating membrane represents a great treatment option, because it acts as atemporary skin substitute, reduces pain and accelerates healing," explains Rangel.

Finally, medical and nursing follow-up, followed by local and systemic care is crucial for the treatment of chronic wounds. "The use of the correct dressings, proper nutrition, and control of pre-existing diseases are always necessary," concludes the specialist.

Source: Antônio Rangel, stomal therapist nurse and consultant for Vuelo Pharma.