Wound Healing & Care

The Wound Healing and Care topic includes research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of all external wounds, which includes acute wounds (such as abrasions, lacerations, skin tears, blisters, burns, and penetrating trauma wounds) and chronic wounds. The category also includes research on wounds affecting the eyes, skin, and mouth. Research on internal wounds, such as those sustained to organs, bones, and muscles, are not included.

A wound forms when tissues like skin and organs are broken open or in to, damaging their anatomical integrity. Wound healing is important not only to repair this damage but also to prevent further injury and illness, as it is easy for wounds to become infected. Wounds that don’t heal for 3 months or more—such as diabetic, venous, and pressure ulcers—are called chronic wounds.