What does the term 'periwound' refer to?

The term 'periwound' specifically refers to the skin surrounding a wound. This area is important in wound care, as it plays a critical role in the healing process and can indicate how well the wound is being managed. Observing the condition of the periwound skin allows caregivers to assess for signs of infection, moisture, and irritation, which can all impact healing. Understanding the health of the periwound area is essential for effective care and treatment strategies, ensuring the wound heals efficiently while minimizing complications.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different aspects of wound healing: tissue exposed in the wound indicates injuries that have breached the skin; scabs are dried blood and exudate that form over a healing wound; and scars represent the fibrous tissue that forms after a wound has healed, all of which are essential concepts in wound care but do not define the periwound area.