Glossary

A biofilm is an assemblage of surface-associated microbial cells that is enclosed in an extracellular polymeric substance matrix.

A wound biofilm is formed when certain microorganisms, mostly pathogenic bacteria, adhere to the wound surface. Biofilms are formed by a three-dimensional (3D) matrix that provides protection and cohesion for bacteria growing in wound sites. Biofilm gives the additional resistance power to bacteria which makes them to not only tolerate harsh conditions but also resistant to antibiotics which lead to the emergence of bad bugs infections like multi drug resistant, extensively drug resistant and totally drug resistant bacteria.

The reddened area that becomes white with pressure applied.

Inflammation or infection of skin cells that cause redness, heat, pain and edema.

A condition from diabetes where the bones in the feet dislocate, deform or fracture cause the bottom of the foot to have the appearance of the hull of the boat related to the arch collapsing.

Cramping leg pain with exercise, such as walking, from ischemia of the leg muscle groups. Results from proximal narrowing of the arterial tree associated with PAD. Exercising muscles need more oxygen than resting muscles. In persons with PAD, these muscles don’t get the extra oxygenated blood that they need, leading to tissue ischemia and pain. Claudication resolves with rest.

Free of devitalized tissue, purulent drainage and debris.

The protein that is the main component of many major parts of the body and wound healing

Presence of replicating bacteria in or around the wound bed; no local or systemic effects. No antibiotics please.

Introduction of non-replicating organisms into wound.

Bringing together of wound edges causing the wound size to become smaller. It is important to measure wounds to show healing or deterioration over time.

Organisms on surface of wound, but in high enough numbers that microbial load has stalled healing process.

Veins that connect to other veins within the same anatomic plane. For example, a vein that connects the superficial greater saphenous vein medially to the superficial lesser saphenous vein laterally.

Defect or cavity that can result in abscess formation.

Separation of wound edges.

Loss of epidermis.

The mechanical process of wearing away by friction.

Non-healing wounds with closed, rolled wound edges. Two layers of epidermis have rolled down to cover lower layers. Halts the migration of epithelial cells into the wound bed.

Outermost layer of skin.

Loss of epidermis.

Increased redness, often the first sign of infection. Redness of the skin cause by vasodilation.

Necrotic tissue, usually black or brown. Can be hard and dry or soft and boggy; thick, leathery black crust. Non-viable tissue that is colonized with bacteria.

Linear scratches on skin.

Non-healing wounds with closed, rolled wound edges. Two layers of epidermis have rolled down to cover lower layers. Halts the migration of epithelial cells into the wound bed.

Non-healing wounds with closed, rolled wound edges. Two layers of epidermis have rolled down to cover lower layers. Halts the migration of epithelial cells into the wound bed.

Non-healing wounds with closed, rolled wound edges. Two layers of epidermis have rolled down to cover lower layers. Halts the migration of epithelial cells into the wound bed.

An important cell used in wound healing.

The tissue that bleeds easily and can indicate infection.

Rubbing that causes mechanical trauma to the skin.

Tissue damage extends through dermis into subcutaneous tissue. Can include muscle, fascia and bone.

Formation of red, healthy connective tissue with good blood flow in a full thickness wound that will continue to heal. Can appear as red and cobblestoned.

Proteins that are used to bring cells to an area as well as create other proteins used in wound healing.

Permanent brown staining to lower leg to indicate venous disease. It is caused by the release of iron from disintegrate red blood cells. Classic sign of venous stasis changes. Discoloration of soft tissue caused by localized erythema and superficial erosions.

Attracting moisture.

An abnormal firmness or thickness with definite margins palpated under skin, often surrounding a wound or localized injury.

Invasion of organisms into tissue and systemic response noted. Overgrowth of microorganisms in sufficient quantities to overwhelm the body’s defenses. Start antibiotics. Hint: Chronic wounds may not exhibit classic signs of infection. Look for increased pain or drainage, odor and delayed healing.

A mild inflammatory process caused by moisture and skin-to-skin friction. Often seen in skin folds and characterized by the breakdown of red blood cells resulting in hyper-pigmentation of the skin.

Pain related to poor or compromised blood supply. The pain is acute when walking and decreases with rest. Increase in pain often happens with leg elevation.

The loss or deficiency of blood to an area.

Broad term referring to wounds and sores.

A skin and connective tissue disease that is inflammation of the fat layer of the epidermis. A change in the skin of the lower legs, resembling an inverted bowling pin or champagne bottle, common in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A constricted area of adherent fibrotic subcutaneous tissue and skin. More proximal to his narrowing is a swollen area of the leg caused by CVI and edema.

The whiteness and loss of intact skin around wound margins as a result of dressing not able to pull or control excess fluid. Skin damage caused by moisture. Softening of tissue by soaking in fluids (can look like “dishpan hands”).

Dead tissue that found in the wound bed as a result of loss of blood flow. This tissue is usually black or brown and leathery.

Swelling.

Taking the weight off in order to increase blood flow. Without off-loading, suspected deep tissue injury will occur or chronic wound.

Inflammation of the bone; bone infection.

Loss of epidermis and possibly part of the dermis. Damage does not extend through dermis. Very painful. These wounds heal by re-epithelialisation. Hint: Look for hair follicles.

Veins that allow communication between the superficial venous system and deep venous system of the legs as they pass through the muscular fascia. May be above or below the knee.

The tissue surrounding the wound. This tissue needs to be assessed for warmth, color or signs of discoloration, to indicate other problems. Example: By assessing the leg surrounding the wound, can indicate venous insufficiency.

Epithelial tissue can be shiny pink or white tissue.

Thick fluid composed of leukocytes, bacteria and cellular debris.

Bluish, dilated subdermal veins 1 to 3mm in diameter.

Sliding of skin over subcutaneous tissues and bones causing a kink in cutaneous capillaries which may lead to ischemia.

Tunneling that connects two body structures.

Necrotic tissue, usually soft and yellow (but may look grey) that can adhere to the wound bed.

Removal of epidermis by mechanical means, usually tape.

 Dilated intradermal veins less than 1mm in diameter.

Destruction of tissue around the infected area; a wound that has channels extending from the central injury into the surrounding tissue, such as muscle and skin. These tunnels inhibit the wound’s healing.

Loss of epidermis/dermis or mucous membrane with definite margins.

Area of tissue destruction extending under the skin along the periphery of the wound. The wound is spread out underneath the skin that surrounds the visible part of the wound. The wound is bigger than what it appears at first glance.

Covered with eschar or slough which prohibits complete assessment of the wound.

Dilated, tortuous subcutaneous veins of 3mm or more in diameter.

A break in the integrity of the skin; an injury to the body which causes a disruption of the normal continuity of the body structures.

Rim or border of a wound.