Wounds : an overlooked burden (Part 3) - Chronic wounds : a conundrum of complications

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex process which may be hindered by a range of interfering factors, especially in patients with underlying pathologies. This results in the formation of chronic, non-healing wounds which subject the patient to significant discomfort while placing strain on the resources of any medical system. Primary healthcare practitioners are often the first to encounter chronic wounds of various aetiologies. This article provides guidelines on the assessment, wound bed preparation and treatment of various types of chronic wounds, which have been summarised into downloadable reference tables for use in everyday practice.