Seek advice for ‘chronic wounds’

AUSTRALIAN seniors are being urged to seek medical attention at the first sight of chronic wound symptoms to avoid the nation’s “hidden affliction”.

Wounds Australia is warning the older generation to open their eyes to the insidious nature of chronic wounds and is spreading the message: Don’t stay “blind to wounds”.

“Chronic wounds are a hidden affliction in Australia and must be recognised as a serious health issue to safeguard our ageing population,” Wounds Australia CEO Anne Buck said.

Chronic wounds are cuts or breaks in the skin that don’t show signs of healing within 30 days or that keep recurring and cost the health system an estimated $3 billion each year.

And though they can be treated by wound care specialists, many sufferers don’t recognise the signs or know how to seek treatment.

Ms Buck said chronic wounds could devastate sufferers and, with Australia’s ageing population, numbers were expected to soar in people aged 65 and over.

“Many chronic wound sufferers experience physical, emotional and social health barriers as the wounds stop them from enjoying the activities they normally do,” she said.

“This also causes financial insecurity for most because ongoing wound management is costly for the individual and, if not treated correctly, can cause further medical issues.”

Wounds Australia is calling on older Australians to talk to medical professionals so they can understand what the wound warning signs are and what action to take if they have a chronic wound.