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The Biology of Wound Healing

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Pressure Ulcers in the Aging Population

Part of the book series: Aging Medicine ((AGME,volume 1))

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It receives 5–10 % of the cardiac output. Pressure ulcers, rare in the general patient population, are a common chronic skin disorder in the neurologically impaired and the frail elderly. Recognition and treatment initially falls to the generalist nurse and physician. Dermatologists are usually not involved in pressure ulcer care. At times nurse specialists and surgeons are called as consultants.

A basic knowledge of skin anatomy and wound healing physiology is imperative to optimal treatment of chronic wounds. The skin is more than a passive barrier that heals itself. Wound healing is a complex highly orchestrated interaction of cells and cellular mediators operating in the extracellular matrix.

This chapter outlines normal skin anatomy and function as a foundation to build an understanding of normal and impaired wound healing physiology. The concepts outlined can be applied to healing in all acute and chronic wounds. Special emphasis is placed on age-related skin changes and wound healing. Abnormalities of and delays in healing in older patients with chronic wounds are covered. The chapter is an introduction to many of the concepts covered in the volume.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Growth factors, cytokines, and hormones share many similarities and act as biochemical messengers and have roles in stem cell-related growth and regulation. The terms growth factor and cytokine and often used interchangeably. Some cytokines and hormones are growth factors and the distinction between them is arbitrary and is relate to the timing of their discovery rather than a difference in function. See Box 1.2.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care, Wound Care Consultant, Hospice Care of South Carolina, 2948 Seabrook Island Road, Johns Island, SC, 29455, USA

    Gregory A. Compton M.D., C.M.D.

  2. Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University, 1402 South Grand Blvd. M238, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA

    David R. Thomas M.D., F.A.C.P., A.G.S.F., G.S.A.F.

Authors
  1. Gregory A. Compton M.D., C.M.D.
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  2. David R. Thomas M.D., F.A.C.P., A.G.S.F., G.S.A.F.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gregory A. Compton M.D., C.M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

    David R. Thomas, MD

  2. Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care, Wound Care Consultant, Hospice Care of South Carolina, Johns Island, South Carolina, USA

    Gregory A. Compton, MD

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Compton, G.A., Thomas, D.R. (2014). The Biology of Wound Healing. In: Thomas, MD, D., Compton, MD, G. (eds) Pressure Ulcers in the Aging Population. Aging Medicine, vol 1. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-700-6_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-700-6_1

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-699-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-700-6

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