Wound Care FAQ

Many factors cause chronic, non-healing wounds such as:

• Diabetes
• Poor circulation
• Trauma or injury
• Vascular disease
• Limited mobility, leading to pressure ulcers (bed sores)

People with diabetes are at a particularly high risk for wounds that don’t heal. While chronic wounds are common, help is available. At Fauquier Health, we use advanced therapies to promote healing and treat the underlying causes, such as inadequate nutrition, inactivity, poor hygiene and ill-fitting shoes. These approaches help treat and eliminate wound recurrence.

• Change in color or amount of drainage
• Chills
• Elevated blood sugars (especially in diabetic patients)
• Increased bleeding
• Increased pain or tenderness at or near the wound
• Increased swelling or warmth at or near the wound
• Increased body temperature/fever
• Night sweats
• Odor at the wound site
• Redness around the wound

Most patients come to us through a referral from their primary care provider, and all visits are scheduled by appointment.

On your first visit, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation so that the team can identify your wound type and the underlying cause. The wound specialist will:

• Assess your wound’s type, size, depth and appearance
• Review your overall health and conditions that may affect healing
• Discuss your daily routine

Next, you and the wound team will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Your wound will be measured and documented at the first appointment and at each follow-up visit. This approach helps us track your progress and modify the plan if needed.

Our team uses a multidisciplinary approach, meaning specialists from different areas work together to provide you with the most effective plan to support your healing.

Please bring your medical records, insurance card, a list of all the medications you are taking and a list of allergies you may have.

Not at all. In fact, the Wound Care team works with your personal physician in the same way as we would any medical specialist. We keep your doctor informed on all aspects of your treatment with frequent progress reports. While you receive treatment for your wound from Fauquier Health, you'll continue to receive all your routine care from your regular provider.

Many health plans cover wound care treatments. We can help you determine what your specific plan covers.

After the first exam at the center, you'll receive complete instructions regarding your treatment.  

Tobacco use is harmful to blood vessels and affects blood flow. It can prolong and even prevent wound healing. So, you should avoid smoking or using any tobacco products during the entire course of therapy.  

We'll count on you to follow directions carefully and watch your progress closely. You'll learn how to care for your wound at home, including changing dressings and protecting yourself from further injury.

We're always here to answer your questions and provide support. But you play a vital role in your health and healing. Together, we can achieve impressive results. In fact, most chronic wounds improve within weeks.

If you have a cold or cough, the flu, sore throat, chills, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, inform the team before your treatment begins. It’s also important to tell us about any medications you’re currently taking, as well as any changes made during your course of care.

If you have diabetes, remember to eat as recommended and continue taking your prescribed medications to help keep your blood sugar under control. (Your blood sugar will be checked at each visit.)