After an injury, a person recovers to let the wounds heal. This takes time and care. However, complex wounds take longer to heal. These complex wounds are due to several factors, and the patient can only wait until the wounds heal. If the patient were confined in a hospital, this would entail an extended stay. Confinement in a traditional hospital would be more expensive compared to staying in a long-term acute care (LTAC) facility. More information about long-term critical care can be found on landmarkhospitalsaltlake.com. An LTAC is better able to care for severely wounded patients.
Open Wounds
Complex wounds heal by secondary intention. Complex wounds are open because it is not possible to stitch the edges together. Left alone, wounds heal on their own. These wounds are usually open sores or injuries that don’t heal as expected. They can be ulcers that expose the muscle or bone or lesions on the lower leg. Complex wounds are also called diabetic, pressure, or venous stasis ulcers. Compromised blood flow or general poor health can lead to complex injuries. Medication side effects and infections can also cause these wounds.
Time Heals
Complex wounds take a lot of time to heal. A routine of cleaning and replacing the dressing ensures that it does not get worse and that infection does not occur. There must be a reason why these wounds are not healing, and understanding these underlying causes is a priority. Diabetes, smoking, and depression can lead to poor recovery. For a loss of skin, skin grafts are necessary for the skin to recover. Natural healing can only begin after the infection has healed.
In time, complex wounds can heal on their own. Understanding other factors that hinder recovery can aid in faster healing.