Why Won’t My Wound Heal? 

Most wounds close on their own with basic care. When one doesn’t, there’s usually a reason. A wound that lingers for weeks often indicates an issue with circulation, blood sugar, infection, or another factor that prevents the body from healing quickly.

Narender Bharaj, MD, and our team at Maryland Medical First P.A. in Parkville, Maryland, can help identify and treat the underlying causes behind wounds that aren’t healing. Here’s what you need to know about wound healing and conditions that slow the process.

How wound healing works

Wound healing happens in four stages. Bleeding stops, inflammation clears out debris and bacteria, new tissue forms, and skin closes over the area. The entire process typically takes a few weeks for most wounds.

A wound is considered chronic when it hasn’t progressed through these stages within 4-12 weeks. The wound may look small or unimpressive, but if it’s not closing, something is interfering with the healing process.

Common causes of nonhealing wounds

Several conditions can interfere with your body’s ability to repair tissue. Identifying which one applies to a specific wound is what guides effective treatment. These conditions include:

Diabetes

Diabetes affects wound healing in several ways. Nerve damage from high blood sugar reduces sensation, so wounds on the feet often go unnoticed until they’ve worsened. 

Diabetes also impairs circulation and weakens the immune response, both of which slow tissue repair and increase the likelihood of infection.

Circulation problems

Healing depends on adequate blood flow. Peripheral artery disease narrows the arteries supplying the legs, reducing oxygen delivery to wounds. Venous insufficiency causes blood to pool in the lower legs, which increases venous pressure and makes it harder for tissue to heal.

Infection

When bacteria infect a wound, the body shifts resources toward fighting infection rather than repairing tissue. Signs of infection include:

• Redness that spreads outward
• Warmth around the wound
• Pus or cloudy drainage
• Foul odor
• Increasing pain
• Fever or chills

Infected wounds need prompt treatment. Untreated infections can spread to deeper tissue or bone.

Pressure

Wounds under sustained pressure can’t heal because blood flow to the area is cut off. Pressure ulcers develop on bony areas of people with limited mobility, but any wound subject to ongoing pressure or friction will struggle to heal.

Nutritional deficiencies

Tissue repair requires protein, vitamin C, zinc, and adequate calories. Patients with poor nutrition heal more slowly. Older adults, people with chronic illness, and those with appetite or absorption issues are particularly at risk.

When to seek evaluation for a nonhealing wound

A doctor should evaluate a wound that hasn’t shown improvement after 2-4 weeks. Waiting longer increases the risk of infection spreading and complications developing.

Dr. Bharaj examines the wound and reviews factors that may be slowing healing, including circulation, blood sugar control, nutrition, and infection status. Treatment addresses the underlying cause rather than just the wound itself.

Call our office at 410-661-4670 or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment.