Wounds are a significant issue, affecting 1 in 20 adults in the UK. Each year the NHS treats 2.2 million people with wounds - a considerable draw on an already stretched resource.
The majority of wounds can be successfully managed through a combination of nursing and self-care. Thankfully many can be treated at home, given that most minor burns, cuts, abrasions and surgical wounds heal quickly, with minimal intervention. Yet over half of all wounds become chronic, with research showing that almost 40% are still a problem after 12 months. In these situations, wound healing can become a complex process, needing specialist care and attention.
Short term wound care The main issue when dealing with a short-term wound, such as a surgical wound or burn, is the need to keep the area clean and dry. Bathing or washing can become problematic, but it is vital to ensure that this can still happen, in order not to create wider issues, such as a secondary infection.
Long-term wound care Chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, are increasingly common and impose a significant burden on both patients and the NHS. In particular, leg ulcers now account for over a third of chronic wounds in the UK. In a bid to manage the challenges of this area of wound care properly, Leg Clubs have been established throughout the country to provide a focus on the well-being of the individual and promote self-management of the lower limb and/or wound by the patient.
Although the LimbO waterproof protector was originally created to deal with the difficulty in bathing caused by a broken limb, over 20 years its use in wound care has become well established. LimbO is equally invaluable for those living with short-term wounds, or for those facing long-term wound management. The benefit of a LimbO is to provide a comfortable, reusable solution, while providing waterproof protection over the wound area. This ensures that showering or bathing can be done with ease, whilst keeping the wound safe and dry. For many individuals, the importance of maintaining effective personal hygiene is an important aspect of wound management – helping both directly and indirectly by improving quality of life and ensuring compliance with treatment to avoid wet dressings.
LimbO can therefore play an important part in contributing to the healing process for any wound, and is well respected by a wide range of medical professionals, including community nurses who help patients manage wounds on a day to day basis. For more information about LimbO please visit our dedicated website.