Media Release Apr 08 2008

Healing old wounds

It’s the elephant in the hospital room that no one talks about – serious wounds that don’t heal and threaten health and wellbeing.

But this is National Wound Awareness Week so it’s time we talked!

More than 270,000 Australians are painfully affected by serious wounds, leading to suffering, loss of independence and lifestyle changes.

We are not talking about a simple wound such as a cut, graze, burn or scald. Keep a simple wound clean and covered and it will usually heal within a few days.

But not all wounds heal. Some take months and others never heal at all; these are considered chronic wounds. A chronic wound is an open wound extending into at least the second layer of the skin that needs to be filled with new tissue. Examples include leg ulcers or bed sores.

About 25% of those in residential aged care facilities have serious chronic wounds requiring special care.

Although they affect so many Aussies, long-standing wounds are hard to confront. They may look and smell unpleasant and this can lead to embarrassment and social isolation.

Within the Northern Sydney area approximately 45% of all wound care is leg ulcer related says Melissa O’Brien, Wound Care Program Manager, NSCCAHS, based at Royal North Shore Hospital

“Leg ulcers are common. They occur in the lower legs, generally in people who have poor circulation. The valves in the veins do not work efficiently allowing blood to pool in the lower leg.”

Venous ulcers and arterial ulcers are the two main types of leg ulcers. Venous ulcers are more common.

Venous ulcers can develop as a result of any injury to the leg or conditions such as varicose veins, blood clots in the leg, multiple pregnancies, being over weight and standing for long periods of time.

Arterial ulcers are the results of arterial disease. They tend to occur on the foot and lower part of the leg.

The arteries supply blood to the legs and feet, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and skin. Smoking, a high fat/cholesterol diet, stress, obesity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and a history of heart disease are all linked with the development of arterial ulcers.

Controlling risk factors
• Stop smoking;
• Check your diet - reduce fat, cholesterol and simple carbohydrates and increase fruit and vegetables;
• Treat high cholesterol;
• Lose weight;
• Moderate your alcohol intake;
• Exercise;
• Wear wide roomy shoes or slippers;
• Take medications as ordered to lower risk of blood clot formation;
• Gain good control over diabetes;
• Gain good control of high blood pressure.

“It is vital that people reduce the likelihood of leg ulcers because complications are grim,” advises Melissa, “including amputation, heart attack, stroke, poor wound healing, severe pain and restricted mobility.”

There may be hope on the horizon for people with serious wounds. Researchers at the Kolling Institute of Medical Research based at Royal North Shore Hospital have discovered a protein that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and skin cells with anti-inflammatory influences to promote the wound healing process.

Patients who have had a wound for six months or more may qualify for the trial. For further information please contact Dr Kaley Whitmont, Ian Reid or Jan Darke through the RNSH switch board (02) 9926 7111.

For further information about Wound Awareness Week visit www.elephantintheroom.com.au

Top tips for those with leg ulcers
Moisturise your legs regularly
Walk and exercise often
Activate the muscle pump by flexing your foot up and down
Don’t stand for long periods
Eat well
Have regular Doppler tests
Don’t smoke
Elevate legs when sitting
Wear compression stockings every day
Avoid excessive heat

Media Contact: Kristen Bunyard 02 9926 7199 or 0413 025 742

Authorisation Stamp