Wichita Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on Busting Popular Wound Care Myths
October 13, 2019
When it comes to wound care, sometimes it’s more about what you don’t know.
That’s because certain falsehoods are ingrained in us, which can work against us when it comes to treating wounds, especially if we’re a senior caregiver.
With that in mind, Wichita Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing would like to dispel three common myths when it comes to wound care.
MYTH: If a wound isn’t healing, it’s because it isn’t being cared for properly.
FACT: Chronic wounds are common (especially among the elderly).
Older people are more susceptible to chronic wounds, whether it be due to fragile skin thanks to their age, or pre-existing conditions like diabetes or cancer, which weaken immune systems. Diabetics are prone to pressure ulcers thanks to their condition.
MYTH: The only way to treat a wound that will not heal is to remove the tissue.
FACT: There are several treatment options that don’t involve surgery.
There are several ways to get more oxygen in the bloodstream. One of these ways is by using a hyperbaric chamber, which is becoming a popular option when traditional healing methods aren’t working. The way it works is that pressure is increased inside the room to allow oxygen to flow more freely inside the body.
MYTH: Bandages do more harm than good.
FACT: It’s fine to keep a wound covered.
Many will tell you that bandages are a breeding ground for bacteria, when in fact, the opposite is true. Bandages keep dirt, bacteria, and other foreign substances out of a wound. The key is to change the bandages regularly in order to keep the wound clean.
To learn more about Wichita Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://centershealthcare.com/wichita_center/.