<p>In the quiet neighborhood of Huntington Beach, CA lives Warren, a retired lath worker whose story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of treating even minor wounds promptly. Warren suffers from Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition that puts him at high risk for developing chronic wounds. His experience is one that many endure silently, often without the support they need.</p>
<h4><a name="_1rf7uk7eucbg"></a><strong>A Minor Incident with Major Consequences</strong></h4>
<p>One day, while working in his garage, Warren scraped his shin on a plastic crate. It seemed like a minor abrasion, akin to a rug burn. He thought nothing of it. However, within two weeks, his PAD prevented the wound from healing. It became infected and painful, marking the beginning of an eight-month ordeal that left him frustrated, scared, and desperate.</p>
<h4><a name="_88p89cja16sp"></a><strong>The Long Road to Recovery</strong></h4>
<p>For eight long months, Warren visited a highly qualified group of wound care clinicians multiple times a week. He underwent various treatments, including several minor surgeries, known as debridements, to remove dead tissue and fight the infection. Reflecting on his experience, Warren said, “I dreaded going to those visits. But I had no choice. Those debridements were so painful. It was meant to help take the infection out, but I’d be sitting in church and the pain in my leg would shoot all the way up my body.”<br>
The physical pain was just one aspect of his suffering. “It disrupted my entire life. I couldn’t do anything except do my dressing changes, go to my doctor’s visits, and try to move forward,” Warren shared. Sadly, his story is not unique; many patients with chronic wounds report feelings of loneliness, isolation, decreased social and physical activity, and a sense of shame<a href="https://www.noxyhp.com/post/step-into-the-world-of-wound-care-with-drs-anne-klassen-and-andrea-pusic">1</a>.</p>
<h4><a name="_a1vxf1pegd6f"></a><strong>A Cautionary Tale</strong></h4>
<p>Ultimately, Warren got through it, but his story is a cautionary tale. Even the most minor wounds—scrapes, abrasions, cuts, and burns—should be treated right away. Ignoring them can lead to complications that disrupt lives in unexpected and profound ways.</p>
<h4><a name="_y2ds0axigqfx"></a><strong>The Importance of Early Treatment</strong></h4>
<p>A good first aid product like NOxyDERM can help resolve minor wounds early, preventing them from festering and becoming more serious. Warren now uses NOxyDERM whenever he gets a small wound. “It has really kept me free from the wounds getting complicated and festering,” he says. Like anything you put into a wound, NOxyDERM can sometimes sting if the wound is fresh and the nerves are exposed, so consumers should be aware and may choose to wait until the wound has had a day or two for the blood to clot over the nerves.</p>
Warren’s experience underscores the importance of not underestimating minor injuries. Prompt treatment can make all the difference, helping to avoid the pain and disruption that Warren endured. His story is a reminder to take even the smallest wounds seriously and to seek appropriate care immediately.