Chronic Wound Care in Point Cook

When a wound is considered chronic

A wound that has not made clear progress after about four weeks is generally regarded as slow to heal. Poor circulation, diabetes, leg swelling, infection, pressure, smoking and poor nutrition can all hold healing back.

Older adults and people with limited mobility are more likely to develop these wounds. Getting help early tends to mean simpler treatment and a lower chance of infection.

Common types of slow-healing wound

• Venous leg ulcers, usually near the ankle, caused by blood pooling in the lower legs
• Arterial ulcers, often painful and on the feet or toes, caused by reduced blood supply
• Diabetic foot ulcers, which can develop unnoticed where feeling is reduced
• Pressure injuries over bony areas such as heels, hips and the base of the spine
• Surgical wounds that reopen, and skin tears in thin, fragile skin

Wound care at the clinic

Chronic wound care is one of the services provided here, alongside wound cleaning and treatment of scrapes and burns. When a wound needs more than general practice can offer, a referral to a vascular specialist, podiatrist or specialist wound service may be the next step.

Home visits are available for clinic patients who are too sick to attend; reception can explain how to request one.

Why the cause changes the treatment

Different wounds need different care. Compression bandaging or stockings are a key treatment for venous leg ulcers, but they can be harmful when arterial blood flow is poor, so circulation in the legs is normally assessed before compression starts.

For a foot ulcer in someone with diabetes, taking pressure off the area and keeping glucose steady are central. Where infection is present, it needs treating before the wound can close.

Signs a wound is getting worse

• Redness or warmth spreading into the surrounding skin
• Increasing pain, swelling or a bad smell
• More discharge, or pus
• Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
• Any new wound, blister or colour change on the foot of a person with diabetes, which should be seen the same day

Supporting healing at home

• Keep dressings clean and dry, and follow the instructions you were given
• Raise swollen legs above hip level when resting, unless told otherwise
• Eat regular meals with enough protein and drink plenty of water
• Stop smoking, since it reduces blood flow to healing tissue
• Change position often if you spend long periods sitting or lying

Pain and dressing changes

Chronic wounds can be painful, particularly leg ulcers, and pain often peaks when a dressing comes off. Let the doctor know if this is happening, because taking simple pain relief beforehand or switching to a non-stick product can help. Pain that suddenly worsens, or leg pain at night that eases when you hang the leg down, is worth reporting, as it can point to poor circulation.

Keeping it from coming back

Newly healed skin stays fragile for months. Moisturise daily, wear well-fitting shoes, protect your shins from knocks, and keep using compression if it was recommended, as venous ulcers often recur without it. People with diabetes should check their feet every day; the diabetes care page covers routine foot assessment.

Fees and bulk billing

Out-of-pocket fees apply to most consultations, and each practitioner sets their own fees. Bulk billing is available with all our doctors for Veterans’ Affairs patients, pensioners over 65, childhood and adult immunisations and GP care plans. See our fees page or call reception before you book.

Related services

• Diabetes Care
• Hypertension Management
• Kidney Disease Support
• Heart Disease Management
• Osteoporosis Management
• All Chronic Disease Management