The Wound Clinic Advanced Wound Care in Polokwane
We specialize in wound care in Polokwane, treating different types of wounds on a daily basis.
Leg Ulcers
Leg Ulcers are defined according to underlying vascular intrinsic factors, trauma or allergic response.
Venous leg ulcers are described with terms such as chronic venous insufficiency or lower leg venous disease. Arterial leg ulcers are described with terms such as peripheral arterial disease, lower leg arterial disease, peripheral vascular disease or peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Ulcers related to a combination of the venous and arterial disease are referred to as mixed leg ulcers. Appropriate management based on early accurate assessment does much towards promoting healing.
Diabetic Foot Wounds
Also classified as the neuropathic foot, every twenty seconds somewhere in the world a lower limb is amputated due to complications of diabetes.
b) The diabetic patient can present with:
b.i) Neuropathic foot with loss of sensation but with adequate foot pulses.
b.ii) An ischaemic foot.
b.iii) A neuro-ischaemic foot with loss of protective sensation and ischemia.
c) Uncontrolled or prolonged hyperglycemia increases the risk of neuropathic complications.
Acute & Chronic Wounds
Acute wounds are described as recently obtained and of short duration. The goal of care is wound healing
Wounds such as leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and malignant wounds are generally described as chronic wounds. A chronic wound usually exceeds 30 days of duration. Chronic wounds have a significant impact on quality of life.
The major aim in the management of chronic wounds is to identify and correct the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that inhibit healing. This requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to wound care.
VAC Therapy
Described as Topical Negative Pressure Devices that promote vacuum-assisted wound closure.
Topical negative pressure applies non-compressive mechanical forces to the tissue that allows arterioles to dilate and increase blood flow. Negative pressure is achieved in the wound by positioning a suction tube over a foam or gauze dressing and occlusion with a film dressing.
Compression Bandaging
Compression therapy is the primary therapeutic intervention in the prevention and management of venous hypertension, venous oedema and related lower leg ulceration. Compression therapy is also used in lymphoedema management.
Compression therapy should not be used on legs where advanced arterial insufficiency exists. Compression bandages comprise of inelastic (short stretch or stiff) bandages and elastic (high-stretch) bandages.
Burns
Burns are traumatic injuries to the skin and underlying tissues that result from exposure to thermal, chemical, electrical, radiation, cold injury and friction sources. Burns produce both local and systemic effects. The extent and depth of a burn is determined by the temperature of the burning agent, the duration of contact with the body and the tissue thickness at the anatomical site.
As is the case with all wounds the optimal management and outcomes for burn patients are dependant upon engaging a multidisciplinary team approach.
Malignant Wounds
Cutaneous malignant wounds can be primary metastatic manifestations. These are often referred to as melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers It is by far the most common skin cancer.
A Marjolins’ ulcer is a rarer aggressive transformation of a chronic wound into a degenerative malignant skin-lesion. Malignant wounds may result in a disfiguring tumor that presents as an ulcerating, fungating, nodular or elephantiasis lesion.
The management of malignant wounds is dependant upon a comprehensive assessment of the client, their wound and their healing environment.
Pressure Ulcers
The terms pressure sores, pressure areas, bedsores, decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers, and pressure injuries are synonymous terms. It has been defined as a localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, resulting in sustained pressure and sore formation.
Pressure ulcers are considered to be largely preventable wounds, but they pose significant health issues for susceptible individuals such as the frail, elderly or neurologically impaired.
Pressure injuries place increased demands on healthcare resources and expenditure, therefore it is imperative to follow an interprofessional approach to prevent and manage such ulcers.
Biosurgical Debriders
Also referred to as Maggot therapy, Biosurgical Debriders is a type of biotherapy involving the introduction of live, disinfected larvae into the non-healing skin and soft tissue wounds of a patient for cleaning and disinfection of necrotic tissue.
This option is available on request.
Frequently used products
The Ideal Dressing:
Removes excess exudate.
Provides thermal insulation.
Does not shed fibres or leak out.
Allows removal without trauma.
Is cost effective
Maintains a most environment.
Provides a barrier to pathogens.
Does not cause an allergic reaction.
Is easy to apply and comfortable for the patient.
Allows gaseous exchange.
Does not promote infection.
Protects against mechanical trauma.
Is adaptable to body parts; body function is maintained.
Therapy and anti-microbial Treatments