Wound Care

Wound healing treatment, also called specialized wound care, helps patients with wounds and injures that are not healing properly. Non-healing wounds can lead to infections and amputations in severe cases. MaineHealth wound care specialists treat a wide variety of wound such as:

• Diabetic ulcers

• Pressure ulcers

• Vascular ulcers

• Traumatic wounds

• Surgical wounds

What is a non-healing wound?

A non-healing wound is a wound that doesn’t heal within five to eight weeks, even though you’ve been following your provider’s instructions to take care of it. This can be very serious, because it can become infected and lead to an illness or even the loss of a limb. A non-healing wound sometimes is called a chronic wound. There are many different types of non-healing wounds, but the most common is an ulcer.

Who is at risk for a non-healing wound?

It is very important to see your provider if you have a hard-to-heal wound. Many people are at risk for non-healing wounds. They include people with:

• Diabetes, anemia, cancer and other long-term medical conditions.
• Heart issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease or varicose veins.
• Immobility, such as being confined to a wheelchair or bed.
• Unhealthy habits such as smoking, not eating a healthy diet or not being active.
• A weak immune system from chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medications, or medical conditions such as AIDS.
• A history of ulcers.

Non-healing wound symptoms

Call your provider if you have a wound or ulcer and see any of the following symptoms:

• Pain around the wound that doesn’t improve or seems to get worse.
• Dark or blue color around the edges of the wound.
• Wound that seems to be weeping, draining or leaking more.
• Redness or swelling that spreads away from the wound.
• The wound starts to smell bad.

Non-healing wound treatments

Wound treatments are based on the type and severity of the wound or ulcer. If you have a non-healing wound, your provider will discuss your options with you and help you decide the right treatment. Basic wound care treatment may include:

• Topical wound medication and specialized dressings
• Compression wrapping
• Compression stockings
• Patient education on self-care
• Antibiotics
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Debridement, or removing unhealthy tissue
• Ultrasound (heals using sound waves)
• Negative pressure therapy (air is pulled from a closed dressing, which improves blood flow and draws out excess fluids from the wound)
• Growth-factor therapy (help wound-healing cells to grow)
• Surgery

Why aren’t my wounds healing properly?

There are many things that can slow wound healing or keep a wound from healing as it should. These include:

• Poor blood circulation

• Poorly functioning veins

• Immobility (being confined to a bed or wheelchair)

• Low oxygen levels

• Severity of the wound

• Other health conditions, such as diabetes

• Aging

• Stress

• Certain medications

• Obesity

• Drinking too much alcohol

• Not having a healthy diet

• Smoking

• Nerve damage

How can I get wound healing treatment?

If you have a non-healing wound, ask your primary care provider to refer you for wound care specialty services. Our specialized wound care teams are equipped with advanced technology and follow effective, evidence-based, treatment plans. Your MaineHealth wound care team will keep your primary care provider updated on your treatments and progress.