Wound Care

Do you have a large wound or one that won’t heal? If so, the experts at Atlantic Dermatology in Longs, South Carolina, are here for you. Experienced dermatologist Kenneth Warrick, MD, FAAD, and his skilled staff offer advanced wound care to encourage healing and reduce the risk of infection. Call the Atlantic Dermatology office today to schedule an appointment or use the online booking tool.

What is wound care?

Wound care at Atlantic Dermatology uses various methods to close open wounds or speed the healing of large wounds or ones that haven’t healed on their own. Punctures, lacerations, and burns are common wounds that you or a loved one might experience. See your dermatologist at the first sign of a problematic wound.

What are the signs of an infected wound?

If you have a wound that’s infected, you’ll notice:

• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus
• Pain
• Tenderness

Infected wounds might not heal without medical attention, but these wounds are easily treatable when detected early.

Why might I need wound care?

The common risk factors for nonhealing wounds are:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Poor nutrition
• Large wounds
• Wounds that develop on sensitive tissue
• Not wearing protective footwear

Controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes and wearing protective footwear when walking or exercising are ways to reduce the chance of developing nonhealing wounds.

Is wound care right for me?

To determine if you have a wound that’s infected or needs medical intervention, an Atlantic Dermatology provider reviews your medical history and symptoms.

They examine your skin and wounds and might recommend blood tests, a skin biopsy, a tissue swab, or other diagnostic tests to determine the most appropriate treatment.

What are the common types of wound care?

Advanced wound care treatments available at Atlantic Dermatology include:

Home remedies
Home remedies for wounds include keeping the wound clean and applying over-the-counter antibacterial ointments to bothersome or painful wounds.

Medication
Taking oral medication or using topical medicines reduces the chance of infection or helps you heal from an infection.

Debridement
During debridement, your Atlantic Dermatology provider cleans and removes infected or diseased tissues to improve healing.

Stitches
You might need stitches or staples to close a large or nonhealing wound to ensure it heals properly with minimal scarring.

Skin grafts
Skin grafts consist of tissues from other areas of your body or synthetic grafts that cover open wounds, allowing them to heal as quickly as possible.

You might need more than one type of wound care to minimize scarring and prevent complications.

Schedule an appointment at Atlantic Dermatology today by phone or online to find out if you need wound care.