Over 12 million people in the United States are affected by peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition blocking the arteries in the legs and feet, which causes the blood to flow too slowly.  For those who are prone to chronic wounds, PAD can become particularly problematic.

During Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month this September, Coryell Memorial Healthcare System, a hospital and medical care facility, with an advanced wound care center in Gatesville, TX, would like to help those who have PAD with their wound care. Treating wounds in a timely and effective manner can help to avoid the risk of amputation and improve your quality of life.

If you have been diagnosed with PAD, here is a wound care guide you should follow anytime you develop an open cut or sore:

• Stop The Bleeding Quickly: In most cases, a small cut or scrape will stop bleeding relatively quickly; however, if you have PAD, stopping the bleeding of any wound sooner is always better. Apply pressure using a piece of gauze or tissue. If the blood manages to seep through, apply a second piece without removing the first to avoid separating the wound.
• Clean The Wound: After your cut has stopped bleeding, you’ll need to clean it out with cool water, soap, and a washcloth. Avoid irritating soaps, alcohol, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide. Pick out any debris using sterilized tweezers.
• Apply An Antibiotic Cream: To further avoid the risk of infection, apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream over the cut. When choosing a cream to add to your first-aid kit, it’s also a good time to test it on your skin to see if it will cause a rash. This way, you know it will not cause any problems when it is time to use it.

If you have or suspect you might have PAD, contact Coryell Memorial Healthcare System’s Advanced Wound Care to learn more about proper wound care. Call at (254) 865-8251, and you can also like them on Facebook for updates and upcoming events.