Wound Care Glossary

Abscess

localized collection of pus in any part of the body

Aerobe

A microorganism which lives and grows in the presence of free oxygen

Anaerobe

A microorganism which grows in the absence of free oxygen

Antibacterial

An agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria

Autolysis

Disintegration or liquefaction of tissues or cells by the body’s own mechanisms (leukocytes/enzymes)

Bactericidal

An agent that destroys bacteria

Bacteriostatic

An agent which is capable of inhibiting the growth or multiplication of bacteria

Blanching

To become white with pressure, maximum pallor

Cell Migration

Movement of cells in the repair process

Cellulitis

Inflammation of tissue around a lesion, characterized by redness, swelling, and tenderness. Signifies a spreading infectious process

Collagen

Main supportive protein of skin, tendon, bone, cartilage, and connective tissue

Colonized

Prescence of bacteria which causes no local or systemic signs or symptoms

Contamination

The soiling by contact or introduction of organisms into a wound

Contraction

The pulling together of wound edges in the healing process

Contusion

Injury, usually from trauma, that does not disrupt skin integrity

Pain, edema, and skin discoloration from leaking of vessels under the skin is observed

Debridement

Removal of devitalized tissue

Debris

Remains of broken down or damaged cells or tissues

Dehiscence

Separation of a surgical incision or rupture of a wound closure

Denude

Loss of epidermis

Dermal

Related to skin or derma

Synonym: Integumentary

Dermis

The inner layer of skin in which hair follicles and sweat glands, lymphatic, and blood vessels and nerve endings originate