b'| INFECTIOUS DISEASE GUIDEWound Care Update 2020Reviewing current points of emphasisBy Krystina Ostermeyer RN, BSN, CDESTATISTICS a.Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, occur when there is C hronic wounds affect nearly 6.5 million Americans annu- a.constant weight to an area of the body.allyand that number is only expected to increase. A woundDiabetic ulcers occur as a complication of diabetes, generally becomes chronic because they are slowly healing, most likelywhen diabetes is uncontrolled. It typically occurs when neu-due to a comorbid condition, such as obesity and diabetes, as well asropathy has occurred.aging. a.Traumatic ulcers occur after a trauma to the body, such as a Most chronic wounds occur in those over the age of 65; it is esti- motor vehicle accident.mated that in 20 years, we will have an increase in those over 65 by ata.Venous ulcers occur when the valves of the veins are unable least 20 percent. to transport blood efficiently, causing the blood to pool. These Chronic wounds cost the United States upwards of $50 billion toulcers most typically occur in the legs.treat.NEW PRODUCTSWHAT WOUNDS ARE WE SEEING? It is always exciting when new products are on the horizon. As ulcers The three most common types of wounds that we see are: are the most common typespecifically diabetic and pressure ulcers 1. Infectious wounds. An infection in a simple wound can delay much of the research is focused on these areas.healing of the wound. Diabetic ulcers, if untreated or not treated correctly, may lead to 2. Surgical wound. When bacteria enters a surgical wound, it canamputations. In fact, 203 people in the United States undergo an delay healing. amputation daily. Every 30 seconds, a leg is amputated globally. The 3. Ulcers: Ulcers are the most common type of chronic wound.majority of these are related to diabetic ulcers.There are various types of ulcers: Currently, the gold standard for diabetic ulcersspecifically those a.Arterial ulcers often occur to the legs and feet and may occurthat occur on the footis total contact casting (TCC). TCC relieves ISTOCKas a result of hypertension. pressure of the foot while still allowing oxygenation of the wound, www.elitecme.com |2020| INFECTIOUS DISEASE GUIDE 21'