Delayed wound care can cause serious complications
On-going, active wound care is essential for wound patients.
(Paducah, KY) Aug. 24, 2021 - As our area sees another spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, some patients are delaying their much needed medical treatment, including treatment of their wounds.
People with non-healing wounds typically suffer underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, venous insufficiency, peripheral artery disease or chronic kidney disease. These patients are considered high-risk if they are affected by COVID-19; however, they are also considered high-risk for infections, sepsis and amputations if their wound care is delayed or ends. Data has shown that patients suffering from untreated wounds are 20 times more likely to end up in an emergency room or admitted to the hospital. On-going, active wound care is essential for wound patients.
Wound care providers and clinicians are essential caregivers for a very at-risk patient population. These patients should remain stable or advance in healing to ensure hospital resources remain available for other medical emergencies, including those with COVID-19. Wound debridement, specialized dressing applications, and the application of advanced products including cellular- and tissue-based products (CTPs) all need to be performed in person and are just a few of the advanced modalities available at Baptist Health Wound Care.
If a patient meets with a primary care provider through telehealth, it is important for the patient to alert the provider of any open wound, particularly one that has not healed in 30 days. It is also important to conduct a skin-assessment and look for the following:
- New bruises, rashes, blisters or lacerations
- Spots or lesions that are bleeding
- Remove your socks and look for drainage or wetness
Baptist Health Wound Care understands the importance of remaining healthy and safe and takes the necessary steps to provide a secure place for patients to receive excellent care.
If you or a loved one has a wound, contact Baptist Health Wound Care at 270.575.2414. A physician referral is not required.