sårskick

Sårskick is a Swedish term describing the current status of a wound, including its appearance, level of healing, and any signs of complication. In clinical practice, sårskick is assessed by inspecting the wound bed and edges, the amount and type of exudate, odor, surrounding skin, and by measuring the wound’s size and depth.

Assessment focuses on wound tissue and moisture balance. Proper healing progresses through stages of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, and sårskick tracks these changes. Key indicators of favorable sårskick include a reducing wound size, the development of healthy granulation tissue, epithelialization, and a balanced moisture level without excessive maceration.

Signs of unfavorable sårskick that warrant attention include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, and pain, as well as purulent or foul-smelling exudate, necrotic tissue, and any new systemic symptoms such as fever. If these occur, professional evaluation is recommended to rule out infection or other complications.

Management aims to support a stable wound environment and monitor progress. This typically involves regular cleaning with saline, appropriate dressings to maintain moisture, and debridement of nonviable tissue when indicated. Addressing underlying factors—such as pressure relief for ulcers, adequate nutrition, and glycemic control in diabetes—supports healing. Documentation of changes in size, tissue type, and exudate helps track sårskick over time.

When to seek care promptly: signs of infection, rapid deterioration, a wound that fails to improve after two weeks, or a large or deep wound. Sårskick varies with wound type, location, and patient factors, making professional assessment important for chronic wounds.