5 Tell-Tale Signs of a Non-healing Wound and What to Do About It

As noted in the U.S. Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, the amniotic membrane used in the HealPrecisely treatment regimen can be a valid source for wound healing.  The Study, published in 2016, followed two groups of patients with chronic leg ulcers.  Group I was the control group and included 11 patients treated using conventional wound dressings that were changed daily for eight weeks.  Group II consisted of 14 patients treated by placing an amniotic allograft over the ulcer, which was held in place with a secondary dressing.  The allografts and dressings were changed daily.  After 60 days of treatment, Group I showed no reduction in the size of their ulcers and had no relief for their pain.  Group II, on the other hand, complete healing occurred within 14 to 60 days for all 14 patients in the study.  Eleven of the 14 patients reported improvement in their pain level as well.An article released by the International Wound Journal in 2020 compiled data from 257 articles, including articles on patient research using amniotic allografts.  Patients were suffering from Diabetes mellitus, one of most serious, chronic, non-communicable diseases worldwide, and is currently the seventh leading cause of death worldwide.  They found that the proportion of wound healing using human amniotic membranes was significantly higher than those who received conventional wound dressings alone.  Those receiving the kind of care HealPrecisely offers had a 95 percent improvement in just six weeks.Europe PMC released a literature review entitled Amniotic Membrane Adjuncts and Clinical Applications in Wound Healing in 2018.  Following data from studies conducted between 2013 and 2017, they concluded that amniotic allografts were beneficial in the setting of difficult-to-heal fistulas and effective in treating diabetic and venous ulcers when combined with standard therapy.We know this treatment has the power to change lives, said Jennifer Rivard, HealPreciselys COO.  Weve seen amazing outcomes from patients who had little or no hope to be wound-free.  This therapy is truly life-changing.To read these studies and others, visit our research page.

Pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores, are a significant health concern, particularly for individuals who are immobile or bedridden. Understanding the 4 stages of pressure ulcers can help in early identification and treatment, thereby reducing the risk of severe complications. In this comprehensive guide, we will:Explain how pressure ulcers formExplain who is most at riskDetail the 4 stages of bedsores Discuss treatment options and advancements in wound care for treating the 4 stages of pressure ulcersWhat Are Pressure Ulcers and How Do They Form?Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue primarily caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. They often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as heels, ankles, hips, and the tailbone. The constant pressure against the skin reduces blood flow to the area, which can lead to tissue damage and necrosis. Pressure ulcers can also form due to shear and friction. Shear occurs when two surfaces move in opposite directions, such as when a bed-bound person slides down in bed. Friction happens when the skin is dragged across a surface, like bedding or clothing. Both shear and friction can damage the skin and underlying tissue, contributing to the development of pressure ulcers. Who Is Most Susceptible To Pressure Ulcers? Certain groups of people are more susceptible to developing pressure ulcers, including: Individuals with limited mobility: Those who are bedridden, use a wheelchair, or have difficulty changing positions. Elderly people: Aging skin is more fragile and less elastic, making it more prone to damage.Patients with certain medical conditions: Conditions that affect blood flow, such as diabetes and vascular disease, increase the risk of bedsores.Malnourished individuals: Poor nutrition can impair skin health and healing.People with spinal cord injuries: Lack of sensation and mobility increases the risk of pressure ulcers. What Are the 4 Stages of Pressure Ulcers?Understanding the 4 stages of bedsores is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. Stage 1: Non-Blanchable Erythema of Intact SkinIn stage 1, the skin is intact but shows signs of redness (erythema) that does not blanch (turn white) when pressured. This stage indicates the beginning of tissue damage. Symptoms may include pain, warmth, or a firmer or softer area compared to surrounding tissue. The skin may also appear differently in darker skin tones, showing discoloration instead of redness. Stage 2: Partial-Thickness Skin Loss With Exposed DermisStage 2 pressure ulcers involve partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis. The ulcer is a shallow open wound with a pink or red wound bed, or it may appear as an intact or ruptured blister. The damage extends through the epidermis and into dermis, but does not affect deeper tissues. This stage may be painful and more susceptible to infection. Stage 3: Full-Thickness Skin LossAt stage 3, the damage extends through the dermis into the subcutaneous (fatty) tissue. The wound may have a crater-like appearance and can include undermining and tunneling, where the wound extends under the surrounding intact skin. The risk of infection increases, and the wound may produce exudate (fluid) and slough (yellow or white tissue). Stage 4: Full-Thickness Skin and Tissue LossStage 4 pressure ulcers are the most severe, involving both skin and underlying tissue loss. The damage extends into the muscle, tendon, ligament, or even bone. These deep wounds may have a large amount of necrotic tissue (eschar) and extensive undermining or tunneling. Stage 4 bedsores are extremely painful and carry a high risk of serious infection, including osteomyelitis (bone infection) and sepsis (blood poisoning). How Are Pressure Ulcers Treated?Effective treatment of pressure ulcers depends on the stage and severity of the wound. Here are general guidelines for treating each stage:Treatment of Stages 1 and 2:Relieve pressure: Use specialized mattresses (also called offloading or pressure redistribution mattresses), cushions, or pads to reduce pressure on affected areas.Clean and moisturize: Keep the skin clean and well-moisturized. Use mild soap and water or saline solution for cleansing.Dressings: Apply appropriate dressings to protect the wound and promote healing. Hydrocolloid or foam dressings are commonly used. Monitor and assess: Regularly inspect the skin for signs of improvement or worsening.Treatment of Stages 3 and 4:Its especially important to seek treatment by a qualified team of wound care health professionals when pressure ulcers reach stages 3 and 4. They may employ the following treatment therapies, or a combination of several:Debridement: Remove necrotic tissue to promote healing. This can be done through surgical, enzymatic, or autolytic (a moist environment using the bodys own enzymes) methods.Advanced dressings: Use advanced wound dressings such as alginates or hydrogels to manage exudate and encourage healing. Infection control: Administer antibiotics if there is an infection. Maintain strict hygiene to prevent contamination. Nutrition: Ensure adequate nutrition, including protein, vitamins, and minerals to support wound healing.Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove damaged tissue from the wound. What Are the Latest Advancements in Wound Care for Stage 4 Pressure Ulcers?Recent advancements in wound care have significantly improved the management and treatment of stage 4 pressure ulcers. Some of the latest innovations include:Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NWPT)NPWT involves applying a vacuum dressing to the wound, which reduces pressure, removes exudate, and promotes tissue granulation. This method has shown effectiveness in accelerating the healing process and reducing infection risk. Growth Factors and Bioengineered Skin SubstitutesGrowth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) can stimulate cell growth and tissue repair. Bioengineered skin substitutes, made from natural or synthetic materials, provide a scaffold for new tissue growth and help close the wound. Biological Skin Graft TherapyBiological grafts, such as amnion grafts, are able to jump-start healing in even the most challenging chronic wounds. These types of grafts have incredible natural healing properties.Advanced DressingsInnovative dressings, such as antimicrobial dressings with silver or honey, help reduce bacterial load and promote a healthy wound environment. Foam dressings with silicone adhesive borders provide better adherence and minimize skin damage during dressing changes. Electrical Stimulation Electrical Stimulation uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate cell growth and enhance blood flow to the wound. This therapy has shown potential in promoting faster healing of chronic wounds. Specialized Understanding of Pressure Ulcers Is Critical for Early Identification and Effective Treatment.At HealPrecisely, we employ many of these therapies and more to achieve some of the highest healing rates in the wound care industry.* These include amnion grafts, 3D grafts, and Cellular, Acellular and Matrix-Like Products (CAMPs). We also use the most advanced diagnostic tools in wound care today, such as the Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS), which evaluates tissue oxygen saturation in the wound and fluorescence imaging, which provides real-time information on the bacterial load in the wound.Heal Precisely can treat even the most stubborn wounds in the comfort of a patients home or care facility.Perhaps the best innovation we bring to wound care is our Mobile Care Clinic, which brings the latest wound care advancements directly to the patients bedside, whether thats at home or in an assisted living facility. *Comparison of 1096 clinics/341,742 wound events. Wound Expert EHR by NEThealth. In direct comparison with these clinics, HealPrecisely healed 98.05% of patients, with the national average at 82.47% a difference of 5.58%. The national average days to healing is 62, with HealPrecisely healing in an average of 30 days a difference of 32 days, a 52% quicker healing rate.

Its no secret that caregiving is a deeply compassionate role, but the job also comes with significant emotional and physical challenges. The stages of caregiver burnout, also known as caregiver strain or burden, occur when the demands of caregiving gradually lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. Especially for those who routinely treat patients with chronic wounds, care can seem like an uphill battle and make even the most hopeful caregivers feel hopeless at times. Whether you are a professional caregiver or you are overseeing a loved one, understanding the stages of caregiver burnout is the key to manage and recover from it. What Is Caregiver Burnout?Caregiver burnout happens when individuals who provide routine care to those with declining health become overwhelmed, both physically and mentally. Common symptoms include:Extreme fatigueIrritabilityAnxietyDepression Loss of sleepMood swingsFrequent headachesMental haze, sometimes dizziness Over 60% of caregivers report caregiver strain at some point in their career, and the impact of unrecognized burnout can be detrimental to both the caregiver and the patient. For this reason, its extremely important to recognize the 4 stages of caregiver burnout so steps can be taken to improve the mental state before complete burnout takes place. What Causes Caregiver Burnout? This phenomenon is often complex and builds up in layers over the caregivers career. Typically, a professional caregiver enthusiastically begins their role to help their patients overcome mental and physical challenges. However, after seeing some of their patients hit unexpected roadblocks, experience an out-of-the-blue decline in health, or even experience a patients death, they may begin to feel a responsibility on their shoulders that they are the ones that must solve all of their patients problems. After all, its common for caregivers to form strong bonds with the patients that they love so much. Its only natural to feel defeated when a beloved patient regresses in their treatment. Unfortunately, this often leads to the common stages of caregiver burnout, a spiral that has a snowball effect on the caregivers life.The 4 Stages of Caregiver Burnout Overall, there are 4 main stages of caregiver burnout that are worth investigating. They include the warning stage, the control stage, the survival stage, and the burnout stage. Keep reading to uncover the secrets of the stages of caregiver burnout. 1. Initial Caregiver Strain (Warning Stage)In the beginning, caregiving may feel rewarding. Caregivers often start with high energy and motivation, thinking they can meet all the needs of their loved one or patient. However, as responsibilities increase and caregiving becomes a long-term role, the initial optimism may wear off. This is known as the warning stage. A caregiver will begin to feel signs of strain in their relationship with their career. They may start to feel fatigue and frustration, especially when they think about their job or certain patients. 2. Development of Anxiety (Control Stage)As the physical and emotional demands grow, caregivers often feel overwhelmed. The duties take longer to complete and emotional tolls, such as feelings of helplessness or guilt, may emerge. Enter the next stage of caregiver burnout: the control stage.Anxiety may develop, with caregivers sometimes feeling resentful or worried that they are not doing enough. This is a slippery slope because many caregivers will try to control situations that are out of their control, only leading to more pain and anguish when the treatment or patient interaction does not go as planned. 3. Escalation of Caregiver Challenges (Survival Stage)At this point, the weight of caregiving begins to feel unbearable. Emotional detachment or withdrawal from loved ones is common, and caregivers may begin to neglect their own health. This is referred to as the survival stage. Depression, physical exhaustion, and a sense of being trapped may set in. Without intervention, this stage can lead to severe emotional and physical consequences for the caregiver.Unfortunately, as the caregiver becomes more and more exhausted, their level of enthusiasm and care towards their patients may also begin to drop. This can lead to a poorer standard of patient care. For caregivers who are in this stage of caregiver burnout, isolation from loved ones will only burden the caregiver more. They must reach out to friends and family for help.4. Complete Burnout (Burnout Stage)In the final stage of burnout, caregivers are no longer able to provide effective care. They may experience emotional numbness, an inability to empathize with the person in their care, and even physical breakdown. Sadly, many caregivers in this position may not even feel like they can adequately take care of themselves. An oppressive burden may sit on their shoulders, causing them to become depressed and isolated.This is the most severe stage and requires immediate intervention to prevent long-term damage to both the caregiver and the person receiving care. Caregiver Burnout in Chronic Wound Care SpecialistsWhen it comes to wound care specialists, many caregivers and healthcare professionals may experience the stages of caregiver strain as their career progresses. Its not uncommon for a patient with a chronic wound to see signs of healing, and then an unexpected challenge causes the healing process to reverse. This can be extremely stressful and frustrating for the wound care specialist.Common Challenges Faced By Wound Care SpecialistsAlong with everyday road bumps, wound care specialists also experience:Extended duration of care: Chronic wounds can last years if theyre not treated properly.Unpredictable fluctuations in health: Patients with chronic wounds often experience unpredictable health changes. Caregivers must be prepared to handle sudden deterioration or complications like infection, which can lead to constant vigilance and heightened anxiety.The emotional burden of managing persistent pain and suffering: Chronic wounds often involve continuous pain or discomfort, which caregivers witness daily. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and emotional strain, as caregivers feel incapable of alleviating the patients suffering.Isolation: Caregivers of patients with chronic conditions often report feelings of isolation, as the chronic nature of the condition limits social interactions. Caregivers may feel misunderstood by those who are not experiencing caregiving.Financial strain: Chronic wounds often require ongoing medical care, equipment, and supplies, placing significant financial pressure on caregivers. Balancing work, caregiving, and financial responsibilities are further strained when time-intensive treatments like hyperbaric therapy are prescribed that require long hours of treatment every day and transport to and from access to the hyperbaric chamber. At the end of the day, managing chronic wounds can involve physically and emotionally demanding tasks. These include complex wound dressings, lifting the patient, or ensuring they maintain hygiene, all while helping the patients emotional state throughout the healing process. Over time, these tasks can lead to burnout or even physical injury, especially if proper resources or support systems are lacking.How Long Does It Take To Recover From Caregiver Burnout?Recovery from caregiver burnout is not an overnight process. It varies depending on the individual and the severity of the burnout. Some caregivers may recover in a few weeks once they seek support and implement self-care strategies. Meanwhile, others might need several months, especially if they are dealing with major emotional and physical recovery.Practical Tips for Caregiver Burnout RecoveryHere are some quick and simple tips to help caregivers recover from strain or burnout. Keep in mind that all of these steps can be used as helpful tools at any stage of the burnout process. 1. Prioritize Self CareEngage in regular physical activity, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure you get enough sleep. Prioritize time dedicated to your favorite interests or hobbies that allow you to focus on activities other than healthcare. Even short breaks throughout the day can help alleviate stress. 2. Seek Professional SupportTherapy or counseling can help caregivers process their emotions and develop coping strategies to prevent burnout in the future. If you have experienced a deep-cutting emotional event in regard to a patient, such as a patients death, it is important to express your feelings. Never bottle them up! A professional therapist is a great way to open up about what you are experiencing. 3. Use Respite CareProfessional respite care services can give caregivers a much-needed break while ensuring their loved ones receive appropriate care. This is a great way to manage burnout symptoms and work through difficult times in your career.4. Build a Support NetworkJoining support groups or seeking help from family and friends can reduce the isolation that caregivers often feel. This is super important! Never underestimate the love and help you will receive from friends, family, neighbors, and community groups.By recognizing the signs of burnout early and taking proactive steps, caregivers can recover and continue to provide care sustainably. Caregivers must remember that their well-being is just as important as the care they give!HealPrecisely Heals Chronic Wounds FasterAt HealPrecisely, we help chronic wound care specialists lessen their odds of caregiver burnout. First, our team uses advanced wound care therapies to help patients heal faster, in less than half the time of the national average. While we provide the most advanced therapies in the wound healthcare industry today like allografts and negative pressure wound therapy, more than half of our patients dont require them and can be treated through other innovative and proven ways. Equally important, we can come to the patients bedside, helping caregivers recover precious time in their busy schedules. All of these factors allow our wound care specialists to enjoy more success with their patient outcomes, leading to a higher satisfaction rate among healthcare professionals and patients alike!