Why Do Wounds Take So Long to Heal? 4 Causes to Know
Slow healing wounds can stem from infection, age, poor blood and oxygen supply, or diabetes. Learn the four causes and when to see a wound care doctor.
What comes to mind when you think of wounds? Perhaps accident injuries, scrapes or tears. Some of these can heal with simple care. Slow-healing wounds are different, and they call for the help of a wound care specialist. These wounds can occur because of the factors below.
Factors That Make a Wound Heal Slowly
- The Wound Becomes Infected
There is no denying that the main goal of first aid and wound care is to prevent infection. But if the care is not done well, infection can still set in. This is also the main reason a wound or injury does not heal after more than 12 weeks.
Infection occurs when germs and bacteria enter an open wound. It can happen before treatment or because of poor care. When an infection strikes, the body's response prioritizes fighting it, which slows the wound healing process.
- Advanced Age Slows Healing
Age can also slow healing. Patients over 60 tend to recover more slowly, so they are often advised to see a wound care specialist to get the best treatment.
Age is linked to the aging process and declining body function. Even so, the main problem is often a drop in nutrition, other illnesses that come with age, and the cleanliness and health of the skin.
- Disrupted Oxygen and Blood Supply
Impaired body function does not occur only in older people. A wound can heal slowly because of an abnormal blood and oxygen supply in the body. Poor circulation keeps the healing substances and cells from working at their best. Special treatment from a medical expert can help here.
- The Patient Has a History of Diabetes
Problems with blood and oxygen supply can themselves be caused by diabetes. High blood sugar is the main factor behind weakened immunity, which makes wounds easily infected by bacteria. It also raises the risk of inflammation.
A wound care specialist is the best solution for wounds that will not heal. People with diabetes often have particular restrictions on medications. This is also linked to the risk of nerve damage, neuropathy, and wounds that tend to stay wet and need special treatment.
If self-treatment of a wound does not produce a significant effect, it is best to get a medical check. Generally, you can tell within 12 weeks. A wound that does not heal needs special treatment because it falls into the category of chronic wounds.
One wound care doctor in Indonesia you can visit for a consultation is dr. Adisaputra Ramadhinara, who now practices at Heartology. He is a wound care specialist who studied medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, and graduated cum laude in 2009. Check his practice schedule on the Heartology website.
Read also: Tips for Caring for Minor Burns
