June is Wound Healing Awareness Month

June is Wound Care Awareness Month

The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM), a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to expanding the number of certified wound care specialists while also focusing on providing education and conducting research in the field of wound care.

June is Wound Healing Awareness Month (WHAM), a time to raise awareness and show support for individuals living with persistent wounds. One of the key organizations involved in promoting awareness is the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM), which actively spreads awareness through its WHAM program.

The ABWM’s website offers a wealth of resources and educational materials to help individuals learn more about wound care and participate in Wound Healing Awareness Month. Another group that contributes to spreading awareness during Wound Healing Awareness Month is the Universal Health Service (UHS).

Chronic wounds affect a significant number of people. In the United States alone, approximately seven million individuals suffer from chronic wounds. Defined by the American Association for Family Physicians (AAFP) as wounds that fail to progress through a normal, orderly, and timely sequence of repair. Among these seven million individuals, two million are specifically living with diabetic foot ulcers, a common type of chronic wound.

According to the National Library of Medicine, there are an estimated one and a half to two million people in Europe who suffer from chronic wounds. Additionally, the EU’s Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS) reports that around 55 million people in Europe have diabetes, and approximately eight million individuals, or about 14.5% of those with diabetes, are at risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer.

These statistics highlight the widespread impact of chronic wounds and the importance of raising awareness, promoting education, and supporting individuals affected by these conditions. In addressing this issue, innovative solutions like our wound products play a vital role.

Kerecis offers a diverse range of products specifically created to cater to various types of wounds, including chronic wounds, burns, and surgical wounds. Kerecis stands out with a highly versatile product with unique properties, distinguishing it from other options available in the market. As the sole commercially available fish skin product used in wound care, it offers distinct advantages. Including the rapid incorporation of the cells, relatively lower cost, omega-3 anti-inflammatory properties, multiple sizes, and minimal processing with harsh chemicals. 

Kerecis focuses on personalized wound care treatment plans. Kerecis believes in the importance of individualized wound care. Their team of wound care experts collaborates with patients to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

FAQs About Wound Healing

How long time does it take for a wound to heal?
The typical healing duration for wounds ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. However, wounds that do not heal within this timeframe are classified as chronic wounds. When wounds have an extended healing period, they require specialized care.

Why does it take so long for my wound to heal?
Several factors can contribute to hindered healing, with the main factors being hypoxia, bacterial colonization, ischemia, reperfusion injury, abnormal cellular response, and defects in collagen synthesis. Chronic wounds can arise from various causes such as trauma, burns, skin cancers, infections, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes.
 
What are the stages of wound healing?
The process of wound healing is traditionally categorized into four distinct stages: (A) hemostasis, (B) inflammation, (C) proliferation, and (D) remodeling. These stages are distinguished by specific molecular and cellular events, and are regulated by various signaling molecules that are produced and released by the cells involved in the wound healing response.

Interesting Facts About Wound Healing​

Chronic wounds affect millions of people worldwide: Approximately 6.7 million people in the United States alone suffer from chronic wounds. These wounds are defined as wounds that fail to heal within an expected timeframe or show signs of delayed healing.
 
Underlying conditions can impede wound healing: Chronic wounds are often complicated by underlying health conditions such as diabetes, venous or arterial problems, unrelieved pressure, radiation tissue damage, and infection. These factors contribute to the complexity and delayed healing of wounds.
 
The financial burden of chronic wounds is significant: Chronic wounds pose a substantial economic burden. In the United States, it is estimated that chronic wounds cost the healthcare system billions of dollars annually in treatment expenses, hospital stays, and lost productivity.
 
Wound healing is a complex process: Wound healing involves a series of coordinated events, including inflammation, cell proliferation, tissue remodeling, and wound closure. Each phase plays a crucial role in the overall healing process.

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