Wound Care Specialist
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Coastal Maine Foot and Ankle
Podiatry, Foot & Ankle Surgeon and Wound Care Specialist located in Yarmouth, ME
More than 6.5 million Americans have chronic wounds today. Chronic wounds require highly specialized wound care, something in which Coastal Maine Foot and Ankle podiatrist Barry White, DPM, is particularly experienced. In the state-of-the-art office in Yarmouth, Maine, Dr. White expertly manages diabetic foot wounds and other types of chronic wounds to help you heal rather than head toward amputation. Book your appointment online or call the office to arrange your wound care treatment.
Wound Care Q&A
What is a nonhealing wound?
A nonhealing wound, also called an ulcer, is any wound that doesn't heal in the expected time frame. Ulcers can grow progressively worse, penetrating the tendons, joint capsule, and bones without proper treatment. Late-stage ulcers also cause tissue necrosis — tissue death.
When might I need wound care?
You could need wound care at Coastal Maine Foot and Ankle if you have a persistent wound of any type. The most common type of wound that Dr. White cares for is diabetic foot ulcers, but he also treats vascular wounds and other types of serious wounds.
If you have a wound that's taking too long to heal or a wound that's growing larger or deeper, it's time for professional wound care. If you have diabetes, any wound warrants special attention, because diabetes causes significant difficulties in healing.
With diabetes, a foot wound that seems very small can grow and turn into an infected ulcer, which could lead to an amputation if untreated. But, efficient wound care can stop the wound from progressing and reverse the damage that's already occurred.
What does wound care involve?
Wound care at Coastal Maine Foot and Ankle depends upon the severity of your ulcer and your underlying conditions. Dr. White focuses on both healing the ulcer and preventing new ones. Your treatment may include:
Topical dressings
Topical dressings include creams, ointments, solutions, and other treatments to encourage wound healing.
Wound debridement
Wound debridement means removing dead skin. When Dr. White removes the dead skin, it allows your wound to heal better. Debridement can be either surgical or non-surgical, depending on your needs.
Oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be a part of some wound-healing plans. Oxygen can be critical for full healing, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy exposes your wound to pure pressurized oxygen.
Wound care can help you heal as quickly as possible, but it's also important to manage your underlying health issues. Dr. White can consult with your primary care physician or diabetes specialist to create a whole-body health plan that prevents foot ulcers in the future.
Wound care at Coastal Maine Foot and Ankle is completely customized according to your wound and healing needs. To learn more about the process or to schedule your first appointment, call the office or click on the online booking link.
