September 2-8, 2024, marks National Wound Awareness Week. This important event raises awareness about an issue that affects more than 450,000 Australians each year. It reminds us that chronic wounds are a significant problem and can lead to considerable health risks.
The theme of National Wound Awareness Week in 2024 is ‘Be Wound Aware.’ The campaign focuses on recognising the warning signs of wounds, learning how to heal wounds, and learning when to ask for help.
With more than $6.6 billion spent on wounds each year in aged care, it is crucial to understand how to deal with chronic wounds.
What is a chronic wound?
A chronic wound is a wound that has not progressed through the stages of healing normally. They often lead to long-term pain, loss of mobility, and a reduction in wellbeing.
Chronic wounds often heal at a much slower rate than regular injuries and often only partially heal. As such, they are typically painful, smelly, or embarrassing and typically lead to feelings of isolation or depression.
How are chronic wounds formed?
Chronic wounds typically develop from acute wounds that are improperly treated. Any wound can become chronic if left unchecked. A wound is considered chronic if it lasts for longer than 30 days. The most common types of injuries leading to chronic wounds are:
- Pressure injuries
- Autoimmune problems
- Skin tears
- Dermatological conditions
- Surgical wounds
- Leg and foot ulcers
- Diabetes foot ulcerations
Who is at risk of developing a chronic wound?
Anyone can develop a chronic wound, but certain people are much more at risk than others. Older people and those living with another condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, are significantly more likely to end up with a chronic wound.
Preventing chronic wounds
Trilogy Care has provided a list of tips for people with a higher risk of developing a chronic wound. This includes:
- Treating new wounds immediately
- Using sunscreen
- Using moisturiser
- Wearing enclosed shoes
- Exercising
- Eating well
- Staying hydrated
- Wearing loose clothes
- Patting skin dry after washing
Advice from Trilogy Care’s clinical team
Trilogy Care’s clinical team is available at any time if you need assistance or advice about a wound or similar injury. Our team has expertise dealing with chronic wounds and can provide advice on the best course of action. We advise the following when dealing with a wound:
- Stop the bleeding: prioritise stopping the wound from bleeding. If you cannot do so, seek medical assistance immediately.
- Clean the wound: remove any dirt from the wound and the skin around it. Rinse it with plain water or normal saline if available.
- Dress the wound: place a bandage or bandage on the wound. Ensure it is completely covered.
- Practise wound care: change the dressing daily or as a healthcare professional advises. You should also change the bandage if it gets dirty at any point.
- If the wound becomes red, oozy, painful or inflamed seek medical assistance as the wound may be infected.
- All wounds should be brought to the attention of your GP during your next appointment, even if minor.
These everyday tips from the clinical team will assist in the event you receive a wound.
Get involved in 2024
National Wound Awareness week serves as an excellent reminder that wound care is crucial.
Wounds Australia has many valuable resources for National Wound Awareness Week 2024. A list of all events can be found here.
These events range from informational live streams to in-person seminars. These events are excellent opportunities to increase your knowledge about chronic wounds and how to treat them.
If you wish to access more information about your healthcare, visit Trilogy Care’s resources on health and wellness.
