Wounds

________Dr. Mohan Rangaswamy________

Wounds Care in Dubai

Wounds may be classified as partial-thickness or full-thickness injuries. This distinction is important during the initial assessment because it helps determine the extent of tissue damage and the appropriate treatment.

A partial-thickness wound involves damage to the upper layers of the skin while some deeper skin structures remain intact. Depending on its depth and condition, it may heal naturally. Full-thickness wounds involve damage through the entire skin layer and may require surgical treatment, such as direct closure, skin grafting, or flap coverage, depending on their size, location, and severity.

A superficial partial-thickness wound may resemble a scrape, medically known as an abrasion. Treatment generally involves careful cleaning to remove dirt and debris, followed by an appropriate protective, non-adherent dressing. Healing time varies according to the depth of the wound, its size, and individual healing factors.

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Diabetics: People with diabetes may develop wounds, particularly on their feet, known as diabetic foot ulcers. These wounds may heal slowly for several reasons. Long-standing diabetes can cause reduced sensation, making it difficult to notice an injury. Patients may continue walking on the affected area without realising it, causing further damage. Poor blood circulation can also delay healing. Plastic surgeons may help manage these wounds through appropriate wound care and pressure off-loading. Specialised wound products or growth factor treatments may be considered in selected cases. Flap surgery may also be required depending on the extent of tissue damage.

Burn Wounds: Major burns should be treated at a hospital with specialised facilities or a dedicated burn unit, where care is usually provided by a multidisciplinary team that may include plastic surgeons. Minor and moderate burns are more common in the community and may be treated by appropriately qualified doctors. Plastic surgeons with relevant training and experience in burn care may also be consulted when available.

Burn and Wound Care by Dr. Mohan Rangaswamy

Burn injuries can be superficial (partial-thickness) or deep. Superficial burns may heal within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on their depth and extent. Deep burns require early specialist assessment, often by a plastic surgeon. Burns involving a significant percentage of the body surface area also require specialist evaluation. Early removal of damaged tissue followed by skin grafting may be considered for deep burns. Synthetic skin substitutes, such as INTEGRA, are also available and may reduce the need for donor skin in selected cases. Complex wounds resulting from traffic accidents, infections, war, or disease may require management by a multidisciplinary team that includes a plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons contribute surgical skills and knowledge of tissue reconstruction to help manage these wounds and support healing. Dr. Mohan Rangaswamy offers a wound care service at Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai, where selected complex and difficult-to-heal wounds are assessed and treated. Treatment options include VAC, NPWT, Integra grafts, ReCell keratinocyte spray, and autologous PRP. Where clinically indicated, skin grafting, flap surgery, and tissue expansion may also be considered.