Wound Care Advantage is excited to highlight Wound Healing Awareness Month (WHAM) in June. WHAM is a time to recognize all of those that are paddling through the rough waters of the healing process trying to catch a break. So, to truly celebrate Wound Healing Awareness Month, WCA wants to tip our surfboards to those living with a chronic wound and to those at risk of developing a chronic wound by offering prevention and care tips to line up a Woundless Summer. And with some fun along the way.
Living with a chronic wound is not all beaches and margaritas, and for the 8.2 million Americans affected by a wound, that’s their reality when trying to feel those summer vibes. Not only is living with a non-healing wound painful, but it can quickly pull you into the undertow if not properly cared for. In fact, Every 30 seconds a diabetic patient suffers an amputation, and of those who go through limb loss, have a 60% mortality rate within 5 years of amputation. That means more limbs are lost to diabetes than to a shark out surfing. If you’re keeping track.
Don’t flounder just yet and stop reading the surf report, WHAM is dropping in with Woundless Summer’s essential tips to continue healing and prevent future wounds while doing all things summer. Grab ahold of the rope, towing-in are 10 care and prevention tips to keep your feet woundless all summer long.
Broken glass, rocks, trash or debris can perforate the skin and cause infection. Walking on hot sidewalks or sand can quicklycause blisters or burns on the feet.
Always Wear Properly Fitted Shoes
If needed, ask your physician about special diabetic shoes, custom inserts and socks to keep your feet healthy while you remain active.
Check Your Flip Flops
Debris can easily get stuck between your sandal and foot while wearing flip flops. Check them often or avoid wearing them. Examine the top and bottom of your feet daily.
Stay Hydrated
This may help with foot swelling from heat or exercise and improve circulation. Hydration and a balanced diet help maintain good health for wound healing
Monitor Blood Glucose
Maintain proper levels of blood glucose, A1C labs, consume a healthy diet, and use medication as prescribed.
Dry Your Feet
Feet that have been submerged in water for too long become susceptible to skin-tears and blisters. Take “dry-out” breaks when spending time in the water this summer.
Use Antibiotic Cream
If you have a foot wound of any kind, clean it and apply a sterile bandage to cover it, and call your physician’s office for guidance.
Avoid Heat if Wounded
Heat causes swelling/edema to worsen, make sure to see your doctor as soon as you get any foot wound.
Put Your Feet Up
Swelling can become worse in the summer heat, make sure to kick-back in a cool place and put your feet up. In particular hot and busy summer days, try 3-4 times a day for at least 15 minutes each.
Compress the Heat
Even though wearing an extra layer like a compression sock or wrap in the summer does not sound appealing, socks and wraps keep the blood flowing, which will help reduce swelling.
By following these tips and being aware of the impact the hot months have on your flippers; beach parties, standing around a barbecuer, soaking in the long days - some of the best parts of celebrating the summer months, do not have to be a total wipe-out on the healing process. Those living with a chronic wound should still join in on the summer staples and enjoy them. Wear appropriate shoes, drink more h2O than sugary or alcoholic beverages, and score more points in the healing process for a solid 10 Woundless Summer.
Why Wound Care Matters
8.2 million Medicare beneficiaries are affected by wounds in the US:
Sen, Chandan K. “Human Wounds and Its Burden: An Updated Compendium of Estimates.” Advances in Wound Care, vol. 8, no. 2, Feb. 2019, pp. 39–48, doi:10.1089/wound.2019.0946.
Every 4 seconds a patient develops a wound in the US
Sen, Chandan K. “Human Wounds and Its Burden: An Updated Compendium of Estimates.” Advances in Wound Care, vol. 8, no. 2, Feb. 2019, pp. 39–48, doi:10.1089/wound.2019.0946.
Every 30 seconds a diabetic patient suffers an amputation:
1 and 3: Armstrong, David G., et al. “Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Their Recurrence.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 376, no. 24, June 2017, pp. 2367–75, doi:10.1056/NEJMra1615439.
2: Richard JL, Schuldiner S. Epidémiologie du pied diabétique [Epidemiology of diabetic foot problems]. Rev Med Interne. 2008;29 Suppl 2:S222-S230. doi:10.1016/S0248-8663(08)73949-3
Diabetic patients have a 60% chance of death within 5 years of an amputation of a foot ulcer
Armstrong, David G., et al. “ma.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 376, no. 24, June 2017, pp. 2367–75, doi:10.1056/NEJMra1615439.
The cost of diabetic limb complications is more than the cost of five of the most deadly cancers in the US
Barshes, Neal R., et al. “The System of Care for the Diabetic Foot: Objectives, Outcomes, and Opportunities.” Diabetic Foot & Ankle, vol. 4, no. 1, Jan. 2013, p. 21847, doi:10.3402/dfa.v4i0.21847.
74% of patients are able to avoid amputation in a wound center:
Weck, Matthias et al. “Structured health care for subjects with diabetic foot ulcers results in a reduction of major amputation rates.” Cardiovascular diabetology vol. 12 45. 13 Mar. 2013, doi:10.1186/1475-2840-12-45
