Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Whether you are a patient, caregiver or clinicians, Wounds Canada has the information you need about diabetic foot ulcers. In partnership with Diabetic Foot Canada, we offer an extensive program to educate about foot care for those living with diabetes. Follow the links below:
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Information on Peripheral Artery Disease for patients. Available in English and French:
Minor Burns and Trauma
What are they?
Minor burns and trauma result in minimal redress or trauma to the skin, such as blistering or minor cuts with minimal and controllable bleeding. They are common for all populations but if skin is fragile, such as in the very young and in some elderly persons, or the health of the person is compromised, healing even minor injuries can be challenging.
How can they be prevented?
Prevention is always the first consideration. Reduction of risks in your environment that may lead to minor burns and trauma is key. These risks might include loose carpets or icy walkways.
What is the usual treatment?
Generally, the wound can be addressed by removing the cause and applying a topical dressing to prevent further injury. However, if you have conditions that could interfere with healing (such as diabetes, cancer or arthritis) your wound should be addressed and managed with guidance from a health-care professional.
When should one seek professional help?
Any time there is an inability to control the cause of the injury or an increase in pain, odour, swelling, or wound size a health-care professional should be consulted.
Malignant Wounds
What are they?
Sometimes malignancies can be seen as skin lesions or ulcers. These can be difficult to treat if the cause (the malignancy) cannot be treated.
How can they be prevented?
While prevention may not be possible, keeping the skin clean and dry will help to reduce infection of these wounds and support any healing possible.
What is the usual treatment?
The wound will need to be addressed and managed with guidance from a health-care professional to manage infection, odour and pain. There will also need to be considerations given to the emotional impact of having a non-healing wound.
When should one seek professional help?
Any time there is an increase in pain, odour, swelling, or wound size a healthcare professional should be consulted.
Surgical Wound Complications
What are they?
Surgical wounds are the result of surgical procedures. Complications sometimes occur. These complications might include wound infection, bulging of the incision (hernia) or the incision opening up (dehiscence).
How can complications be prevented?
Prevention is the best way to avoid surgical wound complications. Going into surgery as healthy and prepared as possible is the best way to ensure prevention, but unfortunately this is not always possible.
What is the usual treatment for complications?
A health-care professional will follow the healing of your surgical wound. It may involve antibiotic therapy for infection or specialty dressings for dehiscence or herniation.
When should one seek professional help?
Any time there is an increase in pain, odour, swelling or wound size a health-care professional should be consulted.