A nurse practitioner and patient talking.

What is Wound Tunneling?

A tunneling wound is a chronic wound that has progressed to form an opening underneath the surface of the skin. They are sometimes referred to as sinus tracts or channels.

Tunneling wounds can take a variable amount of time to heal, depending on the size, depth, and overall health of the person. However, it can take several weeks or months for deep tunneling wounds to heal. In order to properly manage and care for a tunneling wound, seeking the assistance of a mobile wound care center or consulting with a wound care specialist is recommended.

The type of wound most commonly associated with tunneling is pressure ulcers or bedsores. In order to prevent and treat these types of wounds, proper wound care and use of wound care supplies is crucial.

Man getting of of bed using crutches and being helped by a nurse.

Risk factors for tunneling wounds

Risk factors for developing tunneling wounds include advanced age, immobility, poor nutrition, incontinence, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. Other risk factors include infection and a wound that does not have proper moisture balance.

To minimize the risk of developing a tunneling wound, regular assessments and wound care management is recommended, which can be performed by a wound care specialist through a mobile wound care center.

Tunneling wounds can be serious and may lead to complications such as infection if not properly treated. Seeking the assistance of a mobile wound care center and utilizing appropriate advanced wound care treatments can improve the healing process and prevent the development of further complications.

 

pressure ulcer tunneling

Stage III and IV pressure ulcers can develop tunneling due to full thickness skin loss and wound depth. Proper wound care and management, which can be performed by a wound care specialist, is crucial in treating and preventing the development of these types of wounds.

why won't my wound close up?

A wound may not close up due to several factors, including infection, poor nutrition, poor blood circulation, and underlying medical conditions. To properly care for a wound that won’t heal, seeking medical attention and working with a wound care provider to develop a specific and individualized wound care regimen, which may involve the use of advanced wound care treatments, can improve the healing process.

 

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

The effects of tunneling can include increased pain, decreased mobility, and an increased risk of infection. Proper wound care, performed by a wound care specialist and utilizing appropriate wound care supplies, can minimize these effects and promote healing.

To pack a tunneling wound, a sterile dressing or sponge or packing strips can be used to fill the tunnel and promote healing. Utilizing appropriate wound care supplies, such as sterile dressings, is important in the treatment and management of tunneling wounds. It is also important to properly clean and irrigate the tunnel.

 

 

Symptoms and Effects

The effects of tunneling can include increased pain, decreased mobility, and an increased risk of infection. Proper wound care, performed by a wound care specialist and utilizing appropriate wound care supplies, can minimize these effects and promote healing.

Tunneling wounds can be serious and may lead to complications if not properly treated. Seeking the assistance of a mobile wound care center utilizing advanced wound care treatments, and appropriate wound care supplies can improve the healing process and prevent the development of further complications.