Wundbereichen

Wundbereichen is a German-language term describing the anatomical regions where tissue damage has occurred. In clinical practice the phrase is generally translated as wound areas and is used across surgery, dermatology, and wound care to describe the location and extent of injuries. The concept includes superficial wounds affecting the epidermis and dermis as well as deeper injuries that may involve subcutaneous tissue or deeper structures.

Wundbereiche are categorized by etiology (traumatic, surgical, thermal, chemical), by duration (acute vs chronic), and by location (pressure points, limbs, trunk). They may be single lesions or clusters, and can vary in depth and tissue involvement.

Assessment of Wundbereiche involves measuring size and depth, evaluating wound edges and the wound bed, and recording exudate quantity and type. Surrounding skin condition, signs of infection, and the presence of necrotic tissue or undermining are also noted. Planimetric methods and photography are commonly used to document changes over time.

Management aims to optimize the wound environment and support healing. Typical interventions include cleansing, debridement when indicated, appropriate dressings to maintain moisture, exudate control, and infection management. Addressing underlying factors such as perfusion, diabetes, nutrition, and comorbidities is essential. In some cases advanced therapies may be employed, including negative-pressure therapy or topical growth factors.

Prevention focuses on reducing the risk of new wounds and preventing deterioration of existing ones, through measures such as pressure off-loading, skin care, nutrition optimization, and vascular assessment. Wundbereiche are routinely documented in clinical records to monitor healing and guide treatment decisions.