WOUND CARE

At Vital Advanced Medical Center, our Primary Care Doctor in Tampa usually encounters patients who need treatment for their wounds, especially during the summer when sports are in full gear. Here in Tampa Florida, there are many injuries from fishing such as punctures from fish hooks, slipping on a wet deck, and more. Wound care is an essential aspect of medical treatment and involves several steps to promote healing and prevent complications.

A wound is any injury that breaks the skin or any other body tissues. Examples of wounds are cuts, scrapes, punctured skin, scratches and so on. Wounds are usually the result of an accident, but can be deliberate such as stab wounds during an altercation etc. There are seven classifications of wounds, such as abrasions, lacerations, burns, pressure injuries, surgical incisions, skin tears, arterial ulcers or venous ulcers.

The first step at the doctor’s office is assessment of the wound. Doctors start by gathering information about the wound, including how it occurred, any underlying health conditions, and previous treatments. Underlying health conditions such as diabetes can impact wound healing. If a patient is on blood thinners, this too can impact wound healing for severe cuts as the blood takes longer to clot. As part of assessment, an examination is performed, inspecting the wound to determine its type (e.g., abrasion, laceration, puncture), size, depth, and any signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge.

The wound is then cleaned to remove debris, dirt, and bacteria. This is typically done with saline solution or mild antiseptics. In some cases, they might use a wound cleanser that’s specifically designed for this purpose.

If necessary, there is debridement of the wound, a process which can be done surgically, mechanically, or chemically. Our Primary Care doctor in Tampa gets involved in removing dead or contaminated tissue from the wound to promote better healing.

Treatment of the wound is necessary. If there’s a risk of infection, topical or systemic antibiotics might be prescribed. Depending on the wound’s condition and the amount of drainage, the wound is covered with an appropriate dressing, which might include hydrocolloids, foams, or alginates. For some wounds, especially deeper or more complex ones, stitches, staples, or adhesive strips might be used to close the wound.

Pain relief is an important part of wound care. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe medications if needed. It is important to have regular follow-up visits to monitor the wound’s progress, change dressings, and address any issues that arise, such as signs of infection or delayed healing. Make sure you receive guidance on how to care for the wound at home, including how to

change dressings, recognize signs of infection, and when to seek medical help.

For chronic wounds or wounds in patients with underlying health issues (like diabetes or poor circulation), doctors might involve wound care specialists or use advanced treatments such as negative pressure wound therapy, skin grafts, or growth factors.

Good wound care is crucial for preventing complications and promoting effective healing. If you are in the Tampa Florida area and have specific questions about wound care or need advice for a particular situation, feel free to contact our Primary Care doctor in Tampa