Management of wounds: Why it is more than just a bandage job

Dr Parmenas Oroko, Orthopedic Surgeon, and Dr Samora Maranya, Orthopedic resident,at Aga Khan Hospital examine Fredrick Kalama from Transzoia County who is suffering from chronic wounds. [File, Standard 

Wounds are a fact of life. Whether you are slicing onions and end up nicking your finger, scraping your knee on the street or getting a blister from breaking in new shoes, getting hurt is inevitable. Even the most careful among us, from chefs in the kitchen to kids on playgrounds, gym enthusiasts or athletes on the pitch, can find ourselves nursing an unexpected injury.

But a small cut can sometimes become something more serious, especially if it does not heal well or begins to show signs of infection. While some people recover quickly, others may struggle with persistent pain or delayed healing depending on their overall health, immune response and how the wound is managed.