Understanding the inflammatory process in wound healing.

The basic elements of wound healing can be described using three sequential and overlapping phases: inflammation, proliferation and regeneration. These phases represent a highly organized, tightly regulated and complex sequence of events that are dependent on an exquisite balance between various cell types and mediators. Inflammation is a prerequisite to healing; however, chronic wounds in particular exhibit a prolonged inflammatory response, thus providing an ideal environment for bacterial infiltration and proliferation. Considering that approximately 70% of all wounds are chronic, with the majority of wound care being delivered in the community, this paper aims to support nurses in their understanding of inflammation in order to enhance clinical practice.