Identification of factors affecting wound healing
Identification and elimination of factors that interfere with wound healing are fundamental steps in successful wound treatment. Chronic wounds are influenced not only by the circumstances in the wound (local factors) but also by the patient’s general condition (systemic factors). Wound treatment should therefore always involve an integrated approach. The important causes leading to poor healing conditions are listed below.
| Local factors | Systemic factors |
| Bacterial colonisation | Cardiovascular disease |
| Fibrin coating and necrosis | Neuropathy (diabetics) |
| Wound infection | Metabolic disease |
| Poor wound hygiene | Malnutrition |
| Poor blood supply | Medications (e.g. steroid) |
| Low oxigen saturation | Immuno suppression |
| Debris | Advanced age |
| Pressure | Smoking |