Comprehensive Wound Care Education
Wound Care Education Library
Physician-authored guides covering chronic wound types, evidence-based treatments, medical terminology, and patient tools — all written by wound care specialist Dr. Alvin May.
Content authored by Dr. Alvin May, wound care specialist. For informational purposes only — consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Pressure Injuries (Bedsores)
Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Pressure Wounds
Pressure injuries, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, develop when sustained pressure restricts blood flow to specific areas of the body. Learn about risk factors, stages, and evidence-based prevention strategies from Dr. Alvin May's clinical experience.
Read article →Diabetic Ulcers
Understanding and Managing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are complex wounds that result from the combination of nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation caused by elevated blood sugar levels. Learn about the silent progression of diabetic ulcers, prevention strategies, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
Read article →Venous Leg Ulcers
Understanding and Managing Venous Insufficiency Wounds
Venous leg ulcers result from damaged vein valves that cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to swelling, skin changes, and ultimately open wounds. Learn about the causes, prevention strategies, and evidence-based treatments for venous stasis ulcers.
Read article →Arterial Wounds
Understanding and Managing Peripheral Arterial Disease Ulcers
Arterial wounds result from narrowed or blocked arteries that limit blood flow to the legs and feet. Learn about peripheral arterial disease (PAD), risk factors, warning signs, and evidence-based treatments to improve circulation and promote healing.
Read article →Surgical Wounds
Managing Non-Healing and Dehisced Surgical Incisions
Sometimes surgical wounds don't heal as expected or reopen unexpectedly (dehiscence). Learn about the causes of surgical wound complications, risk factors for poor healing, and evidence-based strategies to support optimal healing after surgery.
Read article →Non-Healing Wounds
When Wounds Won't Heal Despite Treatment
Some chronic wounds, despite best efforts and optimized treatment, simply won't heal completely. Learn about factors that prevent healing, strategies for managing truly non-healing wounds, and how to maintain quality of life when complete healing isn't possible.
Read article →Burn Wounds: Understanding Thermal Injuries
From Minor First-Degree to Serious Thermal Injuries
Comprehensive guide to burn wound care, from minor first-degree burns to more serious thermal injuries, including healing strategies and complication prevention.
Read article →Skin Tears: Preventing and Treating Fragile Skin Injuries
Understanding and Preventing Traumatic Skin Injuries in Fragile Skin
Understanding skin tears—traumatic wounds common in elderly patients with fragile skin—including prevention strategies and proper treatment to promote healing.
Read article →Traumatic Wounds: Managing Acute Injuries
From Cuts and Scrapes to Complex Acute Injuries
Understanding and treating traumatic wounds including lacerations, abrasions, punctures, and contusions—when they're simple injuries versus when they become chronic wound concerns.
Read article →Radiation-Related Wounds: When Treatment Creates Lasting Tissue Damage
Managing Delayed Radiation Injury and Chronic Tissue Damage
Understanding delayed radiation injury, chronic radiation damage to skin and soft tissues, and managing wounds that develop months or years after cancer radiation therapy.
Read article →Malignant Fungating Wounds: When Cancer Breaks Through the Skin
Compassionate Palliative Care for Visible Cancer Wounds
Understanding fungating tumors, malignant wounds from cancer invasion through skin, symptom management including odor and bleeding control, and palliative wound care for advanced cancer.
Read article →Wound Healing at the End-of-Life: Compassionate Palliative Care
Comfort-Focused Wound Management in Terminal Illness
Understanding wound management in terminal illness and end-of-life care, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life when healing may not be possible.
Read article →Understanding Chronic Wounds
What is a Chronic Wound?
A chronic wound is one that does not heal in the expected timeframe, typically more than 4-6 weeks. These wounds often require specialized care and addressing underlying health conditions.
Who is Affected?
Over 6.5 million Americans are affected by chronic wounds. Risk factors include diabetes, poor circulation, immobility, advanced age, and certain medical conditions.
The Holistic Approach
Effective wound healing requires more than just treating the wound itself. Nutrition, infection control, pressure relief, and addressing underlying conditions are all essential.
You Are Not Alone
Working closely with your healthcare team and actively participating in your care leads to the best outcomes. This resource is here to help you on your healing journey.