The process of wound healing is complex.
It can last around three weeks, depending on the size and severity of your wound. Scars can last up to two years. In some cases, they can also be permanent.
You already know that it’s important to keep wounds as clean as possible. After all, an infected wound leads to complications.
So how do fungi impact the process of wound healing? Are they dangerous? What happens in chronic wounds?
The Role of Fungi
Researchers have discovered that fungi slow wound healing.
They observed a hundred people with diabetes. All of the test subjects had foot ulcers.
Foot ulcers are very widespread among diabetics. It takes a long time for these wounds to heal. In some cases, this leads to amputation.
But this new finding changed doctors’ understanding of the process of wound healing.
So what did the doctors find in diabetic foot ulcers?
All these wounds contained bacteria and fungi. Fungi levels were much higher than in other kinds of wounds.
Here are a few questions you might have about this process.
• So Why Is This Dangerous?
The fungi and bacteria formed a biofilm in the wound. This made it more difficult for the wound to go through the usual phases of healing. Hence, it led to chronic wounds.
• Which Fungus Creates the Biofilm?
There isn’t any single species that causes this process. Instead, there are various bacteria and fungi that take part in it. The film has many different sources.
• But Why Is This Discovery Important?
This finding gives doctors a better idea about chronic wounds. Thus, they may find a better way to treat these wounds.