Signs of Poor Wound Healing

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There are different types of wounds that are caused by a variety of reasons. It can be due to an accident, trauma, or medical reasons. Every wound goes through different stages of wound healing depending on the size and severity of the cut.

Small scrapes and cuts heal faster compared to larger wound openings, abrasions, and burns.

However, millions of people across the globe have been experiencing slow healing wounds. This is likely to increase according to the U.S National Institutes of Health.

Age, lifestyle, medical condition, and diet are four main factors that can greatly affect the stages of wound healing.

Poor Wound Healing

Poor wound healing can lead to more serious problems or even death. Thus, it is vital to look for signs of poor wound healing. If you experience or see any of the following signs of slow wound healing, get in touch with your doctor immediately:

  • Pain – it is normal to feel pain at a certain phase of the healing process. However, worsening pain or discomfort is an indication of a chronic wound. If you still experience pain even after administering pain reliever, then most likely you are dealing with a slow-healing wound.
  • Odor – wounds emit a certain odor, but it is important to recognize if it is foul-smelling. A healing wound should not emit an unpleasant odor.  And if the prescribed medication is not helping at all, then you may be dealing with a poor-healing wound.
  • Thick discharge or Pus – clear fluid is normal during the healing process, but a thick, yellowish discharge is an indication of an infection. It is recommended to wash the wound with warm water and soap. If there is no improvement, then consult with your doctor.
  • Redness and Swelling – redness or swelling accompanied by pain could be a sign of poor healing wound.
  • Timing or 30-day Rule - normally, wounds heal after 30 days. If a wound does not improve or there is no progress during this period, better consult with your doctor.

Different stages of wound healing happen one at a time. A normal wound will look red, swollen, and watery during the healing process. But the above-mentioned signs are not to be taken for granted.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Underlying medical conditions can slow down the healing process. Infections and complications are other factors that may impair the stages of wound healing.

Always follow your doctor’s advice and proper wound care. Make use of the available wound care kits and supplies to achieve the full healing process. A good indication that your wound is healing is that you might see new skin patches or tissues around the wound or the cut begins to shrink.

Avoid peeling or scrubbing the patches on your wound to prevent irritation. If you see no improvement or progress at all after 30 days even after following all the wound proper care instructions and medications, it is time to seek professional help.

Do not attempt to self-medicate. Slow and poor-healing wounds must be addressed immediately.

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.