Understanding physiology of wound healing and how dressings help.
One of the most fascinating features of the human body is its ability to repair damaged tissue. When the skin is injured a complex process occurs. The natural healing process can be divided into four distinct stages: inflammatory, granulation, epithelization and maturation. This process can take up to 2 years. Brunner and Suddarth (1992) classified wound healing into three stages: primary; secondary; and tertiary. Many factors affect how long a wound will take to heal, e.g. concurrent illnesses, nutritional status and the dressing used. A holistic approach to wound care is the key, and if all the factors are not addressed then wound healing will not prevail.
Russell
L
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Queen's Hospital, Burton Hospitals NHS Trust, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire.
D001458:Bandages / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution; D015897:Comorbidity; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D006097:Granulation Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010349:Patient Compliance; D018579:Patient Selection; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology