A non-healing wound is defined as a wound that does not improve within four weeks. If a wound does not heal within this expected time frame, the cause is frequently discovered to be an undiagnosed or untreated underlying problem. These wounds might begin as anything as little as a pimple or a scrape. They may scab over repeatedly, but they do not improve. It is time to seek professional wound care Warner Robins if you have a sore or wound that persists for weeks or months. A persistent wound can lead to major consequences, but several treatment choices can help you prevent these more serious issues.
Possible reasons for non-healing wounds
Many things might interfere with the healing process of your wounds, causing them to become chronic. Listed below are some of them.
1. Infection
Infection is one of the most common reasons your wound does not heal fully. Infection slows down the healing process and can lead to additional problems. Fever, a change in the size or color of the incision, increasing discomfort, and yellow discharge from the site are all possible signs your wound has become infected. It is critical to take antibiotics or apply an antibiotic ointment to heal such wounds.
2. Venous leg ulcers
These ulcers cause wounds on your legs which appear following uncontrollable swelling. You may also get itching and painful wounds as a result of your injuries. Since the blood does not flow back up the legs, you will feel a sense of heaviness in your legs. The skin around your wound will be discolored in some way. You will require compression treatment to help you feel better.
3. Nutritional deficit
It is possible that your wound is not healing correctly because you are not consuming a nutritional diet. Your body needs additional vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, protein, and total calories to aid wound healing. When you have a wound, you require three times the protein you normally do. Beans, eggs, citrus fruits, red meats, tomatoes, and broccoli are the healthiest foods to eat throughout the recuperation phase.
4. Pressure injuries
When you apply prolonged pressure on bodily tissue, your wound may intensify. This is especially prevalent in people confined to a wheelchair or who are bedridden. In the same way, patients with dementia or spinal cord injuries are more susceptible to developing pressure ulcers. The sacrum bone, tailbone, or heels are the most common sites for these lesions to appear.
5. Smoking
Many individuals who have non-healing wounds use cigarettes. Smoking raises your cancer risk and slows down the healing of wounds. It occurs mostly due to the nicotine in cigarettes reducing blood flow to the skin.
6. Medications
Taking some drugs might cause the wound to heal more slowly. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as corticosteroids, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressive agents are common culprits. If you suspect these drugs are causing your wounds to heal slowly, consult your physician about changing them.
7. Diabetes
When you have diabetes, your wounds may not heal properly. In fact, sores frequently result in amputation. The most common reason diabetics acquire persistent wounds is that they lose sensation in their feet and don’t feel anything when they get minor cuts that then grow infected. Since there is insufficient blood supply to the legs, wounds do not heal correctly. Diabetes weakens your immune system, making it more challenging for your body to fight pathogens.
If you have a non-healing sore or wound, it is a red flag that you should consult a doctor to begin a care plan. Call Middle Georgia Vascular Surgery Center & Vein Solutions or schedule a meeting online for a personalized wound treatment plan.
