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If you are a smoker you are probably aware that it can have a devastating effect on your heart and lungs as well as your skin. But many don’t realize that tobacco can also prevent or slow down wound healing. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, tobacco smokers are at significantly higher risk for impaired wound healing than non-smokers.

Whether you have a serious wound, suffer from diabetes, or are scheduled for surgery, having a better understanding of how smoking can affect how the body heals can make the difference between a full recovery and serious complications.

Why is Smoking So Bad for You?

doctor holding a no smoking signWe know that smoking is known to cause most cases of lung cancer, but there is more evidence than that as to why it is horrible for you. Smoking has been shown to harm almost every single organ in the body, including the skin. Additionally, chronic exposure to tobacco can also result in dangerous physiological changes in cardiovascular and pulmonary function as well as tissue healing. All of which play a role in wound healing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 16 million Americans have a disease caused by smoking and it is the leading cause of preventable death. In fact, more than 480,000 deaths each year in the U.S. are attributed to smoking. Smoking can also increase the risk of problems with the immune system and has been shown to cause conditions such as:

Effect of Smoking On the Wound Healing Process

doctor telling a patient to quit smokingResearch has uncovered a strong correlation between smoking and poor wound healing. The key to this effect is largely due to oxygen and nutrients in the blood which are essential to how the body heals wounds. Smoking essentially narrows the blood vessels; slowing the supply of oxygen and nutrients which in turn can impair the healing process. What’s even worse is you are replacing the fresh oxygen your body needs with a deadly combination of chemicals.

But that isn’t the only way smoking can affect how wounds heal. Let’s explore some of these effects in greater detail.

1. Nicotine in Your Blood

Nicotine (the addictive chemical found in tobacco) can cause your arteries to spasm and become more narrow. This effect can interfere with the body’s ability to send the necessary blood and nutrients to the wound site in order to heal it.

2. Immune System Function and Risk of Infection

Having a healthy immune system plays a crucial role in helping the body fight off illness or infection. When you have a wound, you need your immune system more than ever. Smoking reduces the effectiveness of your immune system because the cells and antibodies in your body can no longer function optimally. Because these cells and antibodies help protect the body against harmful substances like bacteria; it can cause the wound to heal more slowly and increases your risk of developing an infection. Further, it can make it more difficult for the body to carry any medicine used to treat the infected area.

3. Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C is known to help with immunity in the body. It is also an essential vitamin that supports healthy skin and blood flow. Vitamin C levels are commonly lower in smokers because the body is busy using it to protect against its harmful effects instead of where it needs to be.

This means the body is lacking the necessary amount of Vitamin C to support blood flow and skin health, thus leaving the body undernourished. Even with supplements, smokers show lower levels of vitamin C in the body versus nonsmokers according to multiple studies.

4. Poor Nutrition

One of the lesser known ways smoking can impair wound healing is its relation to nutrition in the body. Your body requires a significant amount of calories and energy to heal. However, because nicotine can suppress appetite, combined with smokers’ tendencies to eat poorly, drink heavily and be less active, it can impede the body’s ability to heal wounds efficiently and effectively.

5. Smoking and Diabetes

People who have diabetes are already in a position where their wounds do not heal as easily. However, one thing you might not know is that people who smoke cigarettes are 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who do not smoke. This means that smokers with diabetes are at an even higher risk of having complications with their wounds.

Effect of Smoking On Healing After Surgery

Our blood contains cells that naturally fight off infection (also referred to as neutrophils). Because the chemicals found in tobacco products can limit the function of these cells it dramatically increases the risk of infection which can result in additional surgeries or the use of antibiotics. Fortunately, if you quit smoking before surgery it can decrease your chances of experiencing these effects.

In fact, one study that explored the link between smoking and adverse postoperative outcomes found that “smoking cessation at least 1 year before major surgery abolishes the increased risk of postoperative mortality and decreases the risk of arterial and respiratory events evident in current smokers“.

In addition to its effects on wound healing, smoking after surgery can disrupt the healing process by:

Tips to Help You Quit Smoking

man breaking a cigarette depicting quitting smokingWhile everyone should consider quitting smoking; if you are suffering from a serious wound or about to have surgery it is even more important to have a plan in place to stop for good. A healthcare professional can help you develop a plan and offer recommendations for lifestyle changes to help you through the process.

In the meantime, here are a few tips you can try to get you started:

You can also consider using nicotine replacement therapy for a short period of time, but as this could affect wound healing make sure to first consult with a wound care specialist or healthcare provider.

If you do relapse don’t be discouraged, rather use it as a learning opportunity to adjust your course of action.

Holistic Wound Care and Healing

Unlike most wound care centers, at West Coast Wound and Skin Care, we do not just focus on the surgical aspects of the wounds, we take into consideration the most important extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect healing. As such, we strive to not just treat the wound but address the underlying causes as well.

Our holistic wound and dermatology services consider the whole person — body, mind, spirit, and emotions — in the quest for optimal health and wellness. We constantly discuss everything about our patients’ lives that may affect the wound healing and recovery process.

Don’t wait until your wound gets worse. Book an appointment today and let our specialists help you heal.

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If you have diabetes, your body functions a bit differently than people who don’t have diabetes. As a diabetic, your body either does not produce insulin naturally, or is unable to use it properly. This may lead to the need to test your blood sugar often and use artificial insulin. However, it also means that wounds might not heal as quickly or effectively as they would in a body without diabetes.

If you or someone you know is suffering from diabetes, it’s crucial to understand how it can affect wound healing and be aware of the importance of proper wound care and management. Diabetic wounds that are not taken care of can quickly progress into an infection which can result in serious complications such as required surgery, foot ulcers, or even amputation.

Understanding How Wounds Heal

Generally, there are four stages of wound healing:

  1. Hemostasis
  2. Inflammation
  3. Proliferation
  4. Remodeling

The foundation for new tissue is red blood cells. These blood cells then create collagen, which in turn becomes new tissue. Once this new tissue is formed it leads to new skin growing over the tissue. At the point that the wound finally heals, the edges then pull inward and the wound will begin to get smaller.

How Diabetes Affects Proper Wound Healing

specialist caring for a diabetic woundUnfortunately, Diabetes is a common problem in this country. In fact, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 28.7 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes. Due to the nature of the disease, many of these individuals will develop wounds that heal slowly, improperly, or won’t heal at all. Without proper medical attention, this can result in wound infection among other serious health issues.

Let’s take a look at how diabetes impacts wound healing, how the disease makes the recovery process more difficult, and what you can do to help if you or a loved one is diabetic and has suffered a serious wound.

1. Diabetics Often Suffer from Chronic Inflammation

During the second stage of healing, wounds are inflamed. However, when diabetic wounds heal, sometimes this stage can take too long; resulting in the wound becoming “chronic”. A wound is considered chronic when it lasts for six months or longer.

2. Elevated Blood Sugar Levels

Because diabetes limits the body from handling glucose, one of the most important things that diabetics need to worry about is maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. Blood sugar levels are a major determining factor in how efficiently your wounds heal. When these levels are too high, in people with diabetes, for example, it can interfere with how the immune system functions, prevent nutrients and oxygen from energizing cells, and increase inflammation. All of which, can interfere with efficient wound healing.

3. Diabetic Neuropathy

High blood glucose can also cause the arteries to become stiff, which can lead to narrow blood vessels and diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when nerves become damaged all over the body. It causes tingling and numbness in the limbs, which makes it difficult to be aware of whether or not you are injured. This can lead to new wounds and complications in overall healing.

In light of that, it’s important for diabetics to check their skin often, especially the bottom of the feet. The legs and feet are most commonly affected by diabetic neuropathy.

Additional Tip: People who suffer from diabetic neuropathy should ensure they wear shoes that fit properly and avoid cuts, blisters, and any type of activity that may cause ulcers.

4. Circulation Problems

Wounds heal much quicker when there is a good circulation of blood throughout the body. Diabetics typically have poor circulation due to narrowed blood vessels and are more likely to develop poor circulation conditions like peripheral vascular disease. The reduced oxygen in those suffering from diabetes can result in slower tissue development and in turn, wound healing.

5. Poor Immune System Function

High blood sugar levels decrease red and white blood cell function, which reduces nutrients being sent to the wound site to fight infections. This is also due to a diabetic body producing certain hormones that make the immune system less effective. If your immune system isn’t functioning correctly, it can slow wound healing and because the body can have a difficult time fighting off bacteria it can put you at greater risk of infection.

Additional Tip: Some doctors recommend wearing white socks at all times in order to be able to see any blood or pus if an injury occurs. This can help alert you if there are cuts, blisters, or another type of wound.

6. Increased Risk of Infection

Diabetic patients have a slower movement of white blood cells than the average person. This means that there is less of an immune response, which leaves wounds to be more inflamed. This combined with numbness from neuropathy can lead to the wound getting worse.

As referenced above, with an open wound that heals slower than it normally would, there is an increased chance of infection. This often leads to higher rates of gangrene, sepsis, and infections like osteomyelitis. Out of all of the limbs amputated each year, diabetic ulcers are the number one cause.

Treating and Preventing Diabetic Wounds

wound care specialist dressing for a diabetic ulcerIf not carefully monitored and treated, wounds can be very serious and quickly lead to infection. Fortunately, wound care specialists are trained and equipped with the expertise to help ensure wounds are cared for properly and healed efficiently. If you get a diabetic ulcer or are unsure of a wound it’s important to see a medical professional as soon as possible. Especially if the wound isn’t healing or infection has started to spread.

Your wound care specialist will work with you to help prevent the wound from getting bigger and avoid potential infection. They may also conduct debridement which helps remove unhealthy tissue from the wound and facilitate healing.

While most diabetic wounds are better addressed through a specialist, there are a few steps you can take to help the recovery process and even prevent wounds from surfacing:

Specialized Care to Help You Heal

Wounds can become serious for anyone but it’s even more important for those with diabetes to stay vigilant and ensure you are caring for them properly. If you or a loved one believes they might have a diabetic wound, the wound care specialists at West Coast Wound & Skin Care are here to help. We provide high quality, full spectrum wound care services to patients wherever they reside.

We Heal Diabetic Ulcers 25% Quicker Than Other Practices!

We also welcome you to come visit our new Wound Center in Fresno where our wound care physicians help treat the complete range of wound types and skin concerns including diabetic wounds and ulcers. Contact us today to book an appointment and let us help you get on the path to recovery.

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Cuts and scrapes are a natural part of life but what do you do if you have a more serious wound or one that won’t heal? Properly addressing these types of wounds can make the difference between efficient recovery and potentially life-threatening complications.

If you have just had surgery or have suffered a serious wound; you might be referred to a wound care specialist. So how can a person tell if a wound warrants a visit with a specialist?

Let’s delve deep into what a wound care specialist is, what sets them apart from other healthcare providers and how can you tell when it’s time to seek specialized help for your wound.

What is a Wound Care Specialist?

Some wounds are surface-level and easy to handle on your own, while others might have you consider a doctor’s visit. Although some wounds can be taken care of by your primary care doctor, more complex or non-healing wounds may need the help of a wound care specialist.

These specialists have gone through additional training in wound care and are uniquely qualified to care for acute, chronic, and non-healing wounds.

What Happens During a Visit with a Wound Care Specialist

Whether you have a new wound or a wound that just won’t heal, your first visit with a wound care specialist usually begins with a diagnosis. They may ask questions regarding:

They will then use the information gathered to identify the type of wound, create a customized treatment plan, and determine whether you might need additional forms of treatment. To further evaluate your progress and whether any adjustments might be needed to your care plan; your specialist may suggest scheduling follow up visits as well.

Who Should Visit a Wound Care Specialist?

man seeing a wound care specialist for an arm injuryAlthough most serious wounds should be treated by a professional, not every wound is serious enough to be treated by a specialist. That said, certain types of wounds are better addressed through a wound care specialist or visiting a wound care center.

Infected Wounds

While some wounds might start off as a minor cut or scrape, without proper treatment it can become infected. An infected wound can be serious and require help from a specialist. That’s why it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of an infected wound and when to seek help. Some of the more common signs to watch out for include:

Complex Wounds

Complex wounds can be difficult to treat and because they defy conventional methods pose a challenge for health care providers. Complex wounds can be either chronic or acute and may manifest as:

Some examples of the most common complex wounds include:

These types of non-healing wounds often lead to infection and without advanced care can result in serious complications. If a complex wound is related to an underlying condition such as diabetes or a weakened immune system; it’s important to address those through treatment as well.

Health Conditions

As referenced above, certain health conditions make it more difficult for the body to heal and are also better suited to be helped by a wound care specialist. Your medical history should also play a role in how proactive you should seek out a wound specialist. For example, if you have a previous history of non-healing wounds or chronic conditions such as:

Benefits of Treatment from a Wound Care Specialist

wound care specialist wrapping injured ankleIf you have experienced a serious wound, consulting with a specialist can have a range of benefits. Let’s explore some of these benefits and what you can expect when seeking the help of a wound care specialist.

Reduced Risk of Complications

Wounds are nothing to mess around with. If treated incorrectly, many wounds can have dire consequences and risks. For example without proper support, non-healing wounds can easily become infected and lead to potentially life-threatening medical conditions. Additionally, conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers can result in amputations if not properly addressed.

Although these may sound terrifying, they are treatable. Working with a wound specialist is the best way to reduce risk and ensure you are receiving the treatment you need for optimal healing. Wound specialists will develop an individualized care plan customized to your unique needs and help facilitate an ideal environment for healing and recovery.

Wound Care Education

Educating patients and their families about proper wound care is perhaps one of the most important benefits of seeing a specialist. Wound care specialists will work directly with you and ensure you are equipped with the knowledge of how to care for and manage your wound as well as what lifestyle changes you should make to speed up your recovery and transition back into daily life. Their better understanding of how the body works and a holistic approach to recovery sets wound specialists apart from other healthcare options.

Individualized Approach to Treatment

Going to a general doctor can prove helpful, but a wound care specialist has the expertise to develop highly personalized care plans to address your specific circumstances and help speed up your recovery. For many patients, it can be difficult to follow a one-size-fits-all approach you might receive from a regular clinician but having an individualized plan just for you can make the process easier. And because wound care specialists base your treatment plan on your wound, medical history, and personal preferences they know what you are capable of and how to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process.

Advanced Technology and New Treatments

Wound care specialists also have access to more advanced technologies than other standard healthcare professionals. They are generally more up to date on current approaches to treatment and research in the industry; which translates to reduced healing time and a more pleasant patient experience. Some of the more advanced technologies and treatments wound care specialists have access to include:

Convenience of Treatment

While you can receive all of the above benefits by visiting a wound care center; in some cases, it’s not an option or could be difficult for patients. Fortunately, many wound care specialists will travel to where you are. That way you can receive the care and attention your wound needs from the convenience and comfort of your home.

Getting Help from a Specialist

Overall, wound care specialists take an approach that is focused on caring for wounds and improving quality of life. Not only do they take into account new medical therapies, but they are always looking for ways to reduce recovery time and improve the healing process.

At West Coast Wound and Skin Care, we combine cutting-edge technology with evidence-based medicine to provide high quality, full spectrum wound care services to patients wherever they reside. We value the whole patient’s health, not just the wound, and are available to get you on the right track to recovery.

We are also open for patients at our new, state of the article Wound Care Center in Fresno where we provide the full spectrum of wound care and advanced therapies.

If you are suffering from a wound that won’t heal or have a new wound you want to take care of right away, please contact us. We restore our patient’s quality of life with each healed wound.

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