Chronic Wounds: Why Some Wounds Won’t Heal & What to Do About It

For most people, a small cut or scrape heals in a matter of days. But for others—especially those with underlying health conditions—wounds can linger for weeks or even months without fully closing. These are called chronic wounds, and they can be a serious health concern if not properly treated.

Understanding why some wounds don’t heal and how to manage them can help prevent complications like infections, tissue damage, and even amputations.

What is a Chronic Wound?

A wound is considered chronic when it doesn’t heal within four weeks or shows little progress after several months. These wounds often stay open, inflamed, or infected, making them difficult to manage with traditional wound care.

Common types of chronic wounds include:

• Diabetic ulcers – Usually found on the feet of people with diabetes due to poor circulation and nerve damage.

• Pressure ulcers (bedsores) – Develop in people who are bedridden or have limited mobility.

• Venous ulcers – Result from poor blood flow, often appearing on the lower legs.

• Surgical wounds that won’t heal – Some incisions don’t properly close due to infection, poor circulation, or other factors.

These wounds don’t just cause discomfort—they can lead to serious infections, hospitalization, or long-term disability if left untreated.

Why Do Some Wounds Take So Long to Heal?

Healing is a complex process, and several factors can interfere with it, including:

• Poor Circulation – Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the wound. If circulation is weak (as in diabetes or vascular disease), healing slows down.

• Infection – Bacteria in a wound can delay healing and cause inflammation. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus, and a foul odor.

• Underlying Health Conditions – Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and kidney disease can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds properly.

• Excessive Swelling – Fluid buildup around the wound (especially in venous ulcers) can interfere with the growth of new tissue.

• Malnutrition – The body needs protein, vitamins (like vitamin C & zinc), and hydration to rebuild damaged tissue. A poor diet can stall healing.

• Smoking – Nicotine restricts blood flow and slows down tissue regeneration.

Chronic wounds aren’t just about the wound itself—they often point to deeper health issues that need to be addressed.

How Are Chronic Wounds Treated?

The goal of chronic wound care is to remove barriers to healing and create the right conditions for tissue regeneration. This often includes:

• Debridement – Removing dead or infected tissue to help new skin grow. This can be done surgically, with enzymes, or with specialized dressings.

• Advanced Wound Dressings – Some dressings keep the wound moist, while others contain antimicrobial agents to fight infection.

• Amniotic Skin Grafts – These regenerative tissue grafts help jumpstart healing, especially in wounds that have stalled.

• Compression Therapy – Used for venous ulcers, compression wraps improve circulation and reduce swelling.

• Diabetic Foot Care – Proper footwear, offloading pressure, and regular foot checks help prevent and manage diabetic ulcers.

• Infection Control – Antibiotics, wound cleaning, and proper dressing changes help prevent infections from getting worse.

  
  

When to Seek Professional Wound Care

If a wound hasn’t improved within a few weeks, or if you notice signs of infection, increasing pain, or worsening redness, it’s time to seek specialized care. Chronic wounds require more than just a bandage—they need expert intervention to prevent complications.

By understanding why some wounds don’t heal and taking the right steps early, patients and caregivers can improve outcomes and avoid long-term health risks. Early intervention is key. If you or a loved one is struggling with a slow-healing wound, don’t wait—getting the right care can make all the difference.