Do You Know Where To Turn For Wound Care?

PIH Health Wound Healing Center Provides Expert Care for the Most Difficult Conditions

Loretta Luna

“The team did a great job cleaning and using compression wraps to heal the wound. I was back to normal within two months,” said Loretta.

There are many misconceptions about wound care. For example, some people think wounds heal faster if left uncovered (not true), that small wounds can be left untreated (not always true), or itching is a normal sign of healing (not necessarily).

Truth be told, proper wound care is important to prevent infection and encourage the wounds to heal more quickly with less scarring.

Loretta Luna, a 79-year-old La Habra resident, learned this lesson on two separate occasions in recent years.

In 2019, Loretta had an ulcer (an open sore) on her left leg that wouldn’t heal and was referred to the PIH Health Wound Healing Center by her primary care doctor, where they helped her wound heal in a matter of weeks. Three years later, Loretta developed another ulcer on her left ankle and she didn’t waste any time in seeking help. She immediately asked her primary care physician, Rosario Cecilio MD, to refer her back to the PIH Health Wound Healing Center.

Dr. Cecilio was familiar with the multiple resources available for patients. “I am delighted to be a part of PIH Health,” said Dr. Cecilio, who sees patients at the PIH Health Whittwood Medical Office Building. “I look forward to taking care of my patients with the expanded support of PIH Health.”

Loretta was quickly diagnosed with venous stasis, a condition of slow blood flow in the veins that normally carry blood back to the heart.

“The team did a great job cleaning and using compression wraps to heal the wound. I was back to normal within two months,” said Loretta. “I was so happy and relieved.”

The cleaning process, called “debridement,” involves the surgical removal of infected tissue, foreign debris and material left behind from previous dressings. Compression wraps provide pressure on the legs to push blood toward the heart, while reducing swelling and pain in the lower legs.

To learn more about the PIH Health Wound Healing Center, visit PIHHealth.org/WoundHealing.