Final answer:
Wound deterioration is influenced by various factors including aging, which leads to reduced immune function and longer healing times; wound infections caused by bacteria from skin injuries; bedsores resulting from prolonged pressure; iatrogenic diseases from medical procedures; and damage-related factors like DNA or cell damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Causing Wound Deterioration
The process of wound deterioration can be influenced by several factors, particularly in the elderly. As a person ages, exterior signs of aging become more apparent, along with less noticeable interior signs. One of the consequences of aging is a decline in the immune system's ability to fend off pathogens, leading to slower wound healing and a higher frequency of infection. Additionally, wound infection risks increase due to factors like skin injuries that allow microbes to penetrate the tissues, causing localized or systemic infections.
Another significant factor contributing to wound complications is the development of bedsores or decubitis ulcers, often resulting from unrelieved pressure on specific body parts. These ulcers can lead to fatal infections if not treated properly. In hospitals, the risk of iatrogenic diseases further complicates wound healing, where medical procedures may inadvertently introduce pathogens to a wound. Lastly, factors like inadequate water, sanitation, hygiene, and damage-related factors such as DNA or cell damage can contribute to wound deterioration.