Today is our topic of discussion Wound Healing.
Wound Healing
WOUND HEALING
The skin is a protective barrier for the body and is considered its first line of defense. When the surface of the skin has been broken, it is easy for microorganisms to enter and cause infection. The body has a natural healing process that works to destroy invading microorganisms and to restore the structure and function of damaged tissues, as is described next.
Phases of Wound Healing
Phase 1: Phase 1, also called the inflammatory phase, begins as soon as the body is injured. This phase lasts approximately 3 to 4 days. During this phase, a fibrin network forms, resulting in a blood clot that “plugs” up the opening of the wound and stops the flow of blood. The blood clot eventually becomes the scab.
The inflammatory process also occurs during this phase. Inflammation is the protective response of the body to trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and to the entrance of foreign matter, such as microorganisms. During inflammation, the blood supply to the wound increases, which brings white blood cells and nutrients to the site to assist in the healing process.
The four local signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, pain, and warmth. The purpose of inflammation is to destroy invading microorganisms and to remove damaged tissue debris from the area so that proper healing can occur.
Phase 2: Phase 2 is also called the granulation phase and typically lasts 4 to 20 days. During this phase, fibroblasts migrate to the wound and begin to synthesize collagen. Collagen is a white protein that provides strength to the wound.
As the amount of collagen increases, the wound becomes stronger, and the chance that the wound will open decreases. There also is a growth of new capillaries during this phase to provide the damaged tissue with an abundant supply of blood.
As the capillary network develops, the tissue becomes a translucent red color. This tissue is known as granulation tissue. Granulation tissue consists primarily of collagen and is fragile and shiny and bleeds easily.
Phase 3: Phase 3, also known as the maturation phase, begins as soon as granulation tissue forms and can last for 2 years. During this phase, collagen continues to be synthesized, and the granulation tissue eventually hardens to white scar tissue.
Scar tissue is not true skin and does not contain nerves or have a blood supply. The medical assistant should always inspect the wound when providing wound care. The wound should be observed for signs of inflammation and the amount of healing that has occurred. This information should be charted in the patient’s record.
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