Wounds do not always heal as a result of other underlying conditions, such as diabetes, poor circulation, infection, recurrent pressure, inadequate nutrition, and so forth. Wounds which fail to heal require more than simply dressings. The wound care specialist will examine the wound to determine what is impeding the healing process.
Why won’t my wound heal?
If the wound does not heal quickly, there must be an underlying reason for it. Either the wound is having trouble because of a lack of blood supply to the tissue, an infection, or any other factor hindering the healing process.
Healing can be compared to fixing a damaged road where the body requires oxygen, nutrition, good tissue and protection from any further harm.
What causes chronic wounds?
Diabetes is one factor responsible for non-healing ulcers. Glucose levels that are high may be responsible for damaging nerve tissues and blood vessels. Decreased sensations may make it difficult to feel pressure and injuries on the feet.
Poor circulation may also hinder wound healing. Atherosclerosis may result in a reduction of blood supply and nutrients to the wound. Vein insufficiency may lead to pooling of blood and fluid in the legs.
Infection is another factor responsible for preventing the healing of wounds. The presence of bacteria, tissue infections, and inflammation may make it difficult to repair the tissues.
Other contributing factors may include pressure sores, smoking, inadequate nutrition, edema, immunological disorders, aging, and multiple injuries.
How are non-healing wounds treated?
Management involves determining the cause of non-healing wound. At Bellagio Wound Care, physician assessment involves evaluating the wound and the underlying health problem.
Wound debridement is one form of management, which involves removal of damaged or non-viable tissues. Wound cleansing and proper dressing can also contribute to healing.
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or also known as vacuum-assisted closure (VAC therapy) may be recommended for some patients as a component of their management protocol.
Other forms of care include skin substitutes, compression therapy such as Unna boots, nutritional counseling, exercise counseling, footwear education, and surgery.
Management does not only involve covering up the wound; it also involves addressing the cause of non-healing wound problem.
When should you see a wound care specialist?
A wound deserves medical evaluation when it isn’t healing as expected, keeps reopening, becomes increasingly painful, drains heavily, develops an odor, or shows signs of infection. People with diabetes or circulation problems should seek evaluation promptly for foot or leg wounds.
Early assessment can help identify problems that aren’t obvious from the wound’s surface.
FAQs
How long does a wound take to heal?
Healing time depends on wound size, depth, location, blood flow, infection, diabetes, nutrition, and other health factors. A wound that keeps stalling deserves professional assessment.
Can diabetes cause wounds not to heal?
Yes. Diabetes can contribute to nerve damage, poor circulation, impaired immune response, and delayed tissue repair. These factors can make diabetic foot ulcers harder to heal.
What is advanced wound care?
Advanced wound care uses specialized assessment and treatments for wounds that need more than routine care. Options may include debridement, NPWT, skin substitutes, compression therapies, and surgical treatment when appropriate.
Can poor circulation cause a chronic wound?
Yes. Reduced blood flow limits oxygen and nutrients reaching damaged tissue, which can slow repair and increase the risk of complications.
Conclusion
A wound that won’t heal may be sending a warning.
Diabetes, poor circulation, infection, pressure, nutrition, and other health problems can all interfere with healing. Finding the cause is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.
Bellagio Wound Care provides physician-led wound assessment and personalized treatment for chronic and difficult-to-heal wounds.
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