The Care of Wounds addresses all aspects of holistic wound management. The fourth edition of this successful clinical text continues to reflect current research and evidence-based practice, while incorporating the considerable developments which have occurred in wound care practice since the previous edition.

Preface vii 1 The physiology of wound healing 1 Introduction 1 Definitions associated with wounds 1 The structure of the skin 2 Wound healing 3 Impaired wound healing 9 Conclusion 12 2 The management of patients with wounds 15 Introduction 15 Physical care 15 Psychological care 39 Spiritual care 45 3 General principles of wound management 61 Introduction 61 Wound assessment 61 Managing wounds 77 Documentation 85 Evaluating the dressing 86 4 Wound management products 93 Introduction 93 The development of dressings through the ages 93 Traditional techniques 100 The use of lotions 102 Clinically effective wound management products 108 Modern wound management products 110 5 The management of patients with chronic wounds 127 Introduction 127 The prevention and management of pressure ulcers 127 The management of leg ulcers 149 Diabetic foot ulcers 165 The management of fungating wounds 170 6 The management of patients with acute wounds 185 Introduction 185 The care of surgical wounds 185 Traumatic wounds 199 The burn injury 205 Radiation reactions 216 7 The organisation of wound management 227 Introduction 227 Managing wounds in the community 227 Nurse specialists in wound care 228 Multiprofessional wound care 229 Wound healing centres 230 Conclusions 230 Index 233

“This is a well-written book that presents up-to-date information that is grounded in research. The author also presents guidelines from national and international groups that are helpful in problem-solving and management of wounds.”  (Doody’s, 7 June 2013) “In summary, this text will prove to be a useful ”dip in” book for those involved with wounds and the reader will be grateful for the inclusion/reference to a large number and range of scoring tools/classification systems and relevant charts all in one place.”  (Nursing Times, 11 October 2012) “An excellent resource in providing a holistic approach to wound care for both professionals and student nurses.” Debbie Maddox, Community Staff Nurse “A succinct, evidenced-based analysis of the care of wounds in the community and hospital…A very accessible well thought-out book which takes into consideration recent developments of wound management.” Sara Hutton, Staff Nurse “This book is a comprehensive guide of wound care know-how, that would be an excellent buy for student and qualified alike.” Debbie Saunders, Student Nurse, University of East Anglia