Phases of Wound Healing, Research Paper Example

Introduction

The healing of different types of wounds that are sustained through injuries or other events such as infections requires an understanding of the different phases that support this process and how to best facilitate positive outcomes for patients that have sustained different types of injuries that require an immediate response. There must be an emphasis on how wounds heal in order to fully determine its impact on patient health and wellbeing, and the length of time that may be required to allow wounds to fully heal if possible. There must be a greater emphasis on understanding the nature of these wounds and the steps that are involved from the time that a wound is sustained to its ability to heal in a proper fashion. This is an important step towards recovery and enables a wound to fully heal and for cells and tissues to recover as best as possible.

Analysis

There are three primary stages of healing, noted as follows: 1) inflammatory phase; 2) proliferation phase; and 3) maturation phase (CliniMed, 2014). The inflammatory phase is characterized by the formation of a clot in this area and the dilation of blood vessels in order to allow white blood cells, nutrients, growth factors, and other substances to enter the wound area to begin the healing process (CliniMed, 2014). This is best achieved through the development of inflammation that is expressed through heat, oedema, pain, and erythema, all of which combine and enable neutrophils and macrophages to perform their roles and to overcome any damaged tissue in this area (CliniMed, 2014). This phase may also be considered to be a cleansing phase, as it provides a basis for the development of growth factors that are used to create new blood vessels and smooth muscle cells (Mercandetti, 2015). This process is instrumental in the development of an effective response mechanism to a wound, upon which immediate recovery must begin in order to minimize the risk of damage and to be successful in self-managing the wound as best as possible (Mercandetti, 2015).

The maturation phase is best characterized by an ever-changing cellular landscape within the wound so that the appropriate steps are taken to ensure that a full recovery is made after a wound is sustained (Mercandetti, 2015). The wound contracts and is supported by the proliferation of myofibroblasts, along with full healing by the 12^th week, with anticipated minimal scarring (Mercandetti, 2015). At this stage, there must be a greater emphasis on collagen remodeling, which is also characterized by a reduction in blood vessels in the affected area (CliniMed, 2014). It is important to recognize the value of understanding the dynamics of healing and how it impacts recovery, given the different steps that occur and any other factors that influence the production of different types of cells that influence healing in this regard. In the final maturation stage, it is possible that this stage could last for a period of years, depending upon the nature and severity of the wound and the overall health status of the affected patient.

Conclusion

Wound healing is a complex phenomenon that involves three primary phases and begins with an immediate inflammatory response. In this context, it is important to develop an understanding of this process and what steps are required to promote recovery and healing. Through a complex series of steps, there is a greater emphasis on the understanding of different methods and processes that influence the wound response and the overall ability of human systems and cells to respond to wounds with a sense of urgency to facilitate healing. There must be a greater emphasis on the three described phases in order to fully understand the dynamics of this process so that healing is optimized as best as possible and patients are able to recover without significant complications.

References

CliniMed (2014). Phases of wound healing. Retrieved from http://www.clinimed.co.uk/Wound-Care/Education/Wound-Essentials/Phases-of-Wound-Healing.aspx

Mercandetti, M. (2015). Sequence of events in wound healing. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1298129-overview#a5