Overview
What is a chronic wound?
Most wounds heal on their own within a few weeks. A chronic wound is one that isn’t getting better as expected, usually because something is getting in the way of the body’s normal repair process.
Common examples include foot ulcers in people with diabetes, pressure sores (bedsores), leg ulcers caused by poor circulation, and surgical wounds that reopen. They are more common in older adults and people with diabetes, vascular disease or limited mobility.
The good news: with the right care, most chronic wounds can heal.
How chronic wounds are treated
Treatment focuses on removing whatever is blocking healing. Your care plan may include:
Cleaning and debridement
Removing dead tissue and debris so healthy tissue can grow.
Dressings
Chosen to keep the wound moist but not wet, and to protect it.
Treating infection
Antibiotics or antimicrobial dressings when infection is present.
Relieving pressure
Special footwear, cushions, repositioning or compression, depending on the wound.
Improving blood flow
Treating blocked arteries or vein problems that slow healing.
Advanced therapies
For wounds that don’t respond, options such as negative pressure (“wound vac”) or oxygen therapies.
Caring for your wound at home
What you do between appointments makes a real difference.
- Follow your care team’s instructions for cleaning the wound and changing dressings.
- Wash your hands before and after touching the wound or dressing.
- Keep pressure off the wound as advised, for example with special shoes or by changing position often.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar in your target range.
- Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, and drink plenty of fluids.
- If you smoke, ask about help to quit. Smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and slows healing.
- Keep all follow-up appointments, even if the wound looks better.
When to call your provider
Follow your care team’s instructions. In general:
Get help right away
- Bleeding that won’t stop with gentle pressure.
- Fever or chills.
- Red streaks spreading from the wound, or redness that is growing fast.
In an emergency, call 911.
Call your care team
- The wound is more red, warm, swollen or painful.
- There is more drainage, pus or a bad smell.
- The wound is getting bigger or deeper.
- The skin around the wound turns dark, or new sores appear.
- The wound hasn’t improved in two weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn’t my wound healing?
Common reasons include poor blood flow, infection, ongoing pressure on the area, diabetes and poor nutrition. Often several factors combine. Your care team can look for the causes and adjust treatment.
How does diabetes affect healing?
High blood sugar weakens the immune system and damages blood vessels and nerves. This means less oxygen reaches the wound, infections are more likely, and injuries to the feet may go unnoticed.
Why does oxygen matter for healing?
Your body uses oxygen to fight bacteria, build new tissue and grow new blood vessels. Wounds with poor blood supply often don’t get enough, which is one reason they heal slowly.
What is a wound specialist?
Wound care specialists are doctors and nurses with extra training in chronic and complex wounds. Many hospitals have a dedicated wound care center. Ask your doctor for a referral if your wound isn’t improving.
Does Invitran sell products I can use?
Not yet. Invitran is developing wound care technologies that have not been cleared by the FDA and are not available for sale. If you need wound care now, talk to your healthcare provider.
How can I stay informed?
If you would like to hear about our work in the future, get in touch through our contact page.