As the warmer summer months arrive, you might wonder how the heat affects wound healing. Your wound and skin care specialist at Encompass Healthcare possesses the expertise to evaluate, treat, and provide guidance for optimal healing outcomes during this season. Let's discover what summer means for wound healing.
Tips for Wound Healing in Summer:
Enhanced Circulation: Warmer temperatures can boost blood circulation, which benefits the healing process by supplying a steady flow of oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. Summer is an ideal time to engage in regular exercise to enhance circulation.
Stay Hydrated: The heat often leads to increased perspiration, making it essential to stay well-hydrated. Drink plenty of water to maintain skin elasticity and promote cell function. Well-hydrated skin repairs itself more effectively, aiding in quicker wound healing.
Risk of Infection: Regardless of summer activities, keeping wounds clean and dry is crucial to prevent infections. Use appropriate wound dressings and practice good hygiene to mitigate bacterial growth, ensuring proper healing without complications.
Sun Exposure: Direct sun exposure can negatively impact wound healing. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin and delay the process. Protect wounds from excessive sun exposure by covering them with suitable dressings or clothing. Use sunscreen on the surrounding skin to prevent UV damage.
Proper Footwear: Summer footwear like sandals and flip-flops may not provide adequate protection, support, or breathability. Individuals with conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers should pay close attention to their footwear choices.
Enhancing wound healing during summer involves promoting circulation, maintaining proper wound care, staying hydrated, and protecting wounds from excessive sun exposure. According to research, 7 million Americans live with a chronic wound, and 1 in 4 families has a member with a chronic wound.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of chronic wounds and infections, follow the advice of your healthcare providers at Encompass Healthcare. For instance, if compression socks or stockings are recommended, wear them to manage swelling and prevent wounds. Diabetic patients with neuropathy should avoid going barefoot or wearing only socks.
During summer, when bug bites, sunburns, and cuts are common, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, bug spray, and shoes to protect your skin. While most minor cuts heal without medical attention, puncture wounds from nails, teeth, or knives are at high risk for infection. Puncture wounds are more susceptible to tetanus due to infectious bacteria found in soil, dust, manure, and saliva. Seek immediate care if you haven't had a tetanus vaccine in 10 years.
The number of chronic wounds in America is growing due to factors like diabetes, increased age, and obesity.
Factors Increasing the Risk of Non-Healing Wounds
Unmanaged diabetes
Smoking
Poor nutritional intake
Unrelieved pressure on a body part
Untreated lower leg swelling
Unmanaged high blood pressure
Untreated infections in new wounds
If you or a loved one are in need of wound care this summer, don't hesitate to contact Encompass Healthcare. Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive wound care and personalized treatment plans to ensure optimal healing. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you achieve the best possible outcomes for your wound care needs.
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