Most cuts, scrapes and surgical incisions heal with time. But if your wound has stayed the same for weeks, is becoming more painful or shows signs of infection, it may need specialized care.
Understanding why wounds stop healing and when to seek treatment can help prevent more serious complications.
What is considered a chronic wound?
Most minor wounds begin to heal within days and are significantly improved within two to four weeks. If your wound has not healed after about four weeks or shows little improvement over time, it may be considered chronic. Chronic wounds may include diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries, venous leg ulcers, surgical wounds and traumatic injuries.
Several factors can slow healing, including:
- Diabetes
- Poor circulation
- Infection
- Pressure on the affected area
- Swelling
- Smoking
- Certain medications
- Poor nutrition
10 signs you should seek specialized wound care
1. Your wound hasn’t improved after several weeks.
If the wound looks the same or larger than when it first developed, it deserves evaluation.
2. You notice increasing redness or swelling.
These may be signs of infection or inflammation that requires medical attention.
3. There is drainage or an unpleasant odor.
Drainage that becomes thicker, changes color or develops an odor should never be ignored.
4. The wound becomes more painful.
Pain that increases instead of improves can signal a problem with healing.
5. You have diabetes.
Even small foot wounds can become serious quickly for people with diabetes. Prompt evaluation can help prevent complications.
6. The wound developed after surgery and isn’t healing as expected.
Surgical wounds sometimes need specialized treatment to close properly.
7. You notice black tissue or skin discoloration.
Changes in tissue color may indicate poor blood flow or damaged tissue.
8. You have swelling in your legs along with an open sore.
Poor circulation can contribute to wounds that don’t heal on their own.
9. You’ve tried home treatments without success.
Over-the-counter ointments and dressings are not always enough for chronic wounds.
10. You have a wound that keeps coming back.
Recurring wounds often have an underlying cause that should be addressed.
How a wound care specialist can help
A wound care team looks beyond the wound itself to identify why healing has stalled. Treatment may include advanced dressings, debridement, compression therapy, infection management or hyperbaric oxygen therapy when appropriate.
Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual because no two wounds are exactly alike.
Don’t wait to seek care
A wound that isn’t healing doesn’t have to become a bigger problem. Early evaluation can improve healing and help reduce the risk of infection or other complications.
If you have concerns about a wound that isn’t improving, the team at St. Mary’s Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine is here to help.
