By Dr. Christopher Otiko | President of Viaderma, Creator of Vitastem
As a physician specializing in wound care, I often see patients frustrated by wounds that simply refuse to heal. Chronic wounds — those that linger for weeks or even months — affect millions of Americans each year. They are not just an inconvenience; they can severely impact quality of life and, in some cases, become life-threatening.
The Biology of Stalled Healing
Most small wounds follow a typical course: bleeding clots, swelling takes away unwanted material, new tissue grows, and skin heals up. Now and then, though, that process comes to a halt. Chronic wounds, especially diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure sores, fail to progress through those stages as they should.
Chronic wounds have several causes. Low blood flow is a likely offender, particularly among those with diabetes or vascular disease. Without sufficient circulation, oxygen and nutrients are unable to get to the wound, slowing down or preventing tissue repair. Inflammation, infection, and continued trauma to the area can further impede healing.
Existing diseases like diabetes, obesity, or diseases affecting the immune system further weaken the body’s defenses. Even lifestyle factors, including smoking and bad diets, slow down healing by a large percentage.
The Patient Experience
Chronic wounds are painful, but their emotional effect is often minimized. I’ve seen patients miss work, delay vacations, or become depressed because of a stubborn wound. The threat of major complications, as serious as limb loss, lurks constantly.
Existing diseases like diabetes, obesity, or diseases affecting the immune system further weaken the body’s defenses. Even lifestyle factors, including smoking and bad diets, slow down healing by a large percentage.
The Patient Experience
Chronic wounds are painful, but their emotional effect is often minimized. I’ve seen patients miss work, delay vacations, or become depressed because of a stubborn wound. The threat of major complications, as serious as limb loss, lurks constantly.
New Developments in Modern-Day Wound Care
Thankfully, with better medication, even chronic wounds are managed better. We utilize a multi-specialty team, and with increasing frequency, consult with primary care, vascular specialists, endocrinologists, and wound care nurses.
One of the most important developments is the use of advanced wound dressings — some containing silver, honey, or antimicrobial agents — which help control infection and maintain a moist environment ideal for healing.
New Therapies for Chronic Wounds
- Negative pressure wound therapy (wound vacs): The machines apply gentle suction to pull fluid out and improve blood flow.
- Grafts and skin substitutes: One’s own skin grafts or cultured skin have the ability to provide a body’s healing process with a heads up.
- Growth factors: Topical treatments can advance new tissue development on a cellular basis.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: In some circumstances, therapy with room-pressurized pure oxygen can augment the body’s own repair mechanisms.
- Next-generation wound-fighting medicines like Vitastem.
Prevention Comes First
While new treatments are encouraging, prevention remains primary. Good blood glucose control, regular diabetes patient checkups of feet, and proper skin care can prevent many wounds from becoming chronic to start with.
My counsel to every patient is: Don’t overlook wounds that won’t heal. Early care gives our highest chance to get wounds to scab over — and get patients healthy and independent.
Dr. Christopher Otiko is president of ViaDerma and creator of Vitastem. To learn more go to www.viaderma.com.
