Wounds

Wounds are a common side effect of circulatory problems like diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, they can also be caused by trauma. At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the vascular surgeons and wound care specialists provide complete care for several wound types, including diabetic and vascular ulcers, abrasions, and lacerations. Call the office in McAllen or Rio Grande City, Texas, to schedule a wound care appointment, or book your visit online today.

What are wounds?

A wound, or open wound, is an injury to the skin and underlying tissues. Almost everyone will experience a wound at some time in their lives. Most wounds are mild and heal quickly, but professional treatment is essential. Without a wound specialist’s expertise, these injuries can become infected and cause other problems.

Are there different kinds of wounds?

Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, treats several types of wounds, including:

Abrasions

These wounds occur when your skin rubs against a hard surface like asphalt. Abrasions don’t always bleed, but they must be cleaned and cared for to prevent infection.

Lacerations

These wounds cause a deep cut or gash in your skin. They’re often caused by contact with sharp objects like knives and saws. Lacerations bleed quickly and often require stitches.

Punctures

These wounds are caused by sharp, pointy objects, like nails and spikes. They commonly affect the feet and extend beneath the skin, increasing the risk of internal damage.

Avulsions

These wounds cause the skin and underlying tissue to partly or entirely tear away. They’re caused by traumatic injuries, like explosions and car accidents.

Ulcers

These wounds are caused by poor circulation. If oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood can’t reach an area, like your feet, the skin cells and surrounding tissue die, causing a slow- to nonhealing ulcer to form.

How are wounds diagnosed?

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about the wound, including when you first noticed it, how much it bled, and if you’re experiencing pain and other symptoms. Tell them if you have any health problems like diabetes and if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Next, your provider examines the wound, assessing its size, color, and appearance. They gently press on the surrounding skin to identify sensitive spots and collect a skin sample (biopsy) for analysis.

Most wounds can be diagnosed visually, but your provider might order diagnostic imaging (an X-ray or a vascular ultrasound). An X-ray will help your provider determine if the wound extends beneath your skin. A vascular ultrasound can discover if poor circulation has caused the wound.

How are wounds treated?

Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, takes an integrative and minimally invasive approach to treating wounds. They could suggest:

• Cleaning dirt, debris, and germs from the wound
• Closing the wound with stitches or staples
• Wound debridement (removing dead or infected tissue)
• Packing the wound with gauze to stop bleeding and promote healing
• Dressing the wound with bandages
• Prescription or intravenous (IV) antibiotics to prevent infection
• Elevating the wound to increase blood flow 
• Wearing compression socks or stockings to increase blood flow and speed healing
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

Large wounds can require surgery, like a skin graft. During skin graft surgery, your provider takes healthy skin from another part of your body and stitches it over the damaged area.

Call the nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office to schedule professional wound care, or book your appointment online today.