Pressure Ulcers Treatment
A pressure ulcer, also known as a bedsore or decubitus ulcer, is an injury to the skin and underlying tissue that occurs due to prolonged pressure on the skin. It often develops over bony areas of the body where the skin is pressed against a surface, such as a bed or wheelchair.
Causes
- Prolonged Pressure: When pressure is applied to a specific area of the body for an extended period, blood flow to that area can be restricted, leading to tissue damage.
- Friction and Shear: Friction (rubbing) and shear (sliding) forces can also contribute to the development of pressure ulcers, especially when the skin is already compromised.
Common Areas
- Heels
- Sacrum (lower back)
- Elbows
- Hips
- Shoulders
Treatment
Our team employs state-of-the-art techniques to effectively manage and heal pressure ulcers. Using advanced therapies such as negative pressure wound therapy, we reduce healing times and improve patient outcomes.
Diabetic Ulcer Treatment
A diabetic ulcer is a type of chronic wound that occurs primarily on the feet of people with diabetes. It is a serious complication that arises due to the combination of factors commonly associated with diabetes, such as poor circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and high blood sugar levels.
Causes
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Diabetes can cause nerve damage, particularly in the feet. This reduces sensation, making it difficult for individuals to notice injuries or pressure sores. As a result, minor injuries can go untreated and develop into ulcers.
- Poor Circulation: Diabetes often leads to reduced blood flow to the extremities (peripheral arterial disease). Poor circulation impairs the body's ability to heal wounds, making ulcers more likely to develop and harder to treat.
- High Blood Sugar Levels: Elevated glucose levels in the blood can delay healing, increase the risk of infection, and contribute to the formation of ulcers.
- Foot Deformities: Structural changes in the foot due to diabetes, such as claw toes, Charcot foot, or calluses, can lead to abnormal pressure points that contribute to ulcer formation.
Common Locations:
- Under the big toe or other toes
- On the ball of the foot
- On the sides of the foot
- Heels
Treatment
Recognizing the unique challenges of diabetic ulcers, our specialists utilize comprehensive treatment protocols, including debridement, infection control, and advanced wound dressings to promote rapid healing and prevent complications.
Venous Statis Ulcer Treatment
A venous stasis ulcer is a chronic wound that typically forms on the lower legs due to poor circulation in the veins. These ulcers occur when blood pools in the lower extremities, causing increased pressure in the veins, which leads to skin breakdown and ulceration.
Causes
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): The primary cause is chronic venous insufficiency, where the veins in the legs fail to efficiently return blood to the heart.
- Varicose Veins: Damaged or weakened veins can lead to blood pooling, contributing to the formation of ulcers.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A history of blood clots in the deep veins can damage vein valves, increasing the risk of venous ulcers.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the veins, worsening venous insufficiency.
- Inactivity or Immobility: Lack of movement can lead to poor circulation, increasing the risk of ulcers.
- Previous Leg Injuries or Surgeries: Trauma or surgery can damage veins, leading to poor circulation and potential ulcer formation.
Common Locations
- Lower Legs
- Ankles
- Calves
Treatment
We offer specialized care for venous statis ulcers, focusing on improving venous circulation and utilizing compression therapy, advanced dressings, and skin grafting when necessary to achieve excellent healing results.
Infectious Wound Treatment
An infectious wound is a wound that has been invaded by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other pathogens, leading to an infection. This can delay healing, cause further tissue damage, and, if untreated, spread to other parts of the body, potentially leading to serious complications.
Causes
- Bacterial Contamination: The most common cause, where bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus enter the wound.
- Fungal or Viral Infection: Less common, but certain wounds, especially in immunocompromised individuals, can become infected by fungi or viruses.
- Dirty or Contaminated Wounds: Wounds exposed to dirt, feces, or other contaminants are at higher risk of infection.
- Compromised Immune System: Conditions like diabetes, HIV, or chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, making wounds more susceptible to infection.
- Delayed or Inadequate Wound Care: Poor wound hygiene, such as failing to clean or dress the wound properly, can increase the risk of infection.
Common Locations
- Lower Extremities
- Surgical Wounds
- Pressure Points
Treatment
Infection control is paramount at Express Excellence. We employ the latest antimicrobial treatments, combined with rigorous wound care protocols, to effectively treat and manage infectious wounds, ensuring a swift and safe recovery.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Treatment
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the limbs (usually the legs) become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis, leading to reduced blood flow. This can cause pain, especially during physical activity, and increase the risk of serious complications, such as ulcers or gangrene.
Causes
- Atherosclerosis: The most common cause, where fatty deposits (plaques) build up in the artery walls, narrowing or blocking blood flow.
- Smoking: A major risk factor, as it damages the blood vessels and accelerates the development of atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and contribute to the development of PAD.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Increases the force of blood against artery walls, contributing to plaque buildup.
- High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol lead to plaque formation in the arteries.
- Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to other risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, increasing the risk of PAD.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can lead to obesity and poor circulation, contributing to the development of PAD.
Common Locations
- Legs and Feet
- Arms
- Abdomen and Pelvis
Treatment
Our team provides expert care for wound that related to peripherals arterial disease (PAD). Through advanced revascularization techniques and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, we enhance blood flow and accelerate wound healing.
Chronic Wound Treatment
Chronic wounds are wounds that fail to heal through the normal stages of wound healing and persist for more than 4-6 weeks. They are often associated with underlying conditions that impair the healing process, such as diabetes, venous or arterial insufficiency, or pressure injuries.
Causes
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to poor circulation and a reduced ability to heal.
- Venous Insufficiency: Poor blood flow in the veins, often due to varicose veins or previous blood clots, can lead to venous stasis ulcers.
- Arterial Insufficiency: Reduced blood flow due to narrowed or blocked arteries can cause arterial ulcers, particularly in the lower extremities.
- Pressure Injuries: Prolonged pressure on the skin, especially over bony areas, can cause pressure ulcers (bedsores), common in individuals with limited mobility.
- Infection: Persistent infection in a wound can prevent healing and lead to chronic wounds.
- Compromised Immune System: Conditions such as HIV, cancer, or certain medications can weaken the immune system, leading to delayed wound healing.
Common Locations
- Lower Extremities
- Pressure Points
- Surgical Sites
Treatment
Chronic wounds require specialized care and attention. Our multidisciplinary approach includes advanced diagnostics tools, innovative therapies like bioengineered skin substitutes, and personalized care plans to promote healing in chronic and non-healing wounds.