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Published on June 05, 2023

5 Reasons Why Wounds Don't Heal

Healing

There are four key phases for a wound to heal successfully:

  1. Hemostasis – clotting to control bleeding.
  2. Inflammation – swelling occurs as helpful materials are transported to the wound site and invasive microbes are pushed out.
  3. Proliferation – a protective layer of tissue is formed.
  4. Remodeling – rebuilding of tissue and revascularization and reorganization of the new tissue to function like the surrounding tissue.

Any factors that interfere with one or more of these phases can prevent wounds from healing. Some of the most common factors include:

1. Poor Circulation – Oxygen and materials needed for healing can’t get to the wound site. Dead cells and harmful materials can’t be carried away.

2. Diabetes – Diabetes interferes with healing in many ways, including lower oxygen levels, weaker immunity and decreased ability to form new skin cells and blood vessels. Diabetic nerve damage can also make it harder to sense a wound and seek treatment.

3. Infection – Harmful bacteria can prolong inflammation and prevent new growth.

4. Nutrition Deficits – Wounds need energy, protein and other vital nutrients to heal.

5. Repeat Trauma – Wounds on feet, moving joints and any body parts that may easily get bumped, rubbed or pressured are more susceptible to reopening.

Infographic

Infographic explaining 5 Reasons Why Wounds Won't Heal.

5 Reasons Why Wounds Won't Heal

This infographic explains five common reasons why wounds won't heal, including poor circulation, diabetes, infection, nutrition deficits and repeat trauma. MyMichigan's specialized Wound Treatment Centers offer treatment in Alma, Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Midland and West Branch. 

Other factors that can interfere with healing include age, sex hormones, stress, obesity, some medications, alcoholism and smoking.

Specialized Wound Treatment Addresses Root Causes

Specialized Wound Treatment Centers have better outcomes because they bring together many disciplines to not only treat the wound, but to also address these underlying issues that may be barriers to healing. The Wound Treatment Centers at MyMichigan Health have a cross functional team with specialists in these and other areas:

  • infectious disease management
  • cardiovascular services
  • diabetes education
  • nutrition management
  • oncology
  • podiatry
  • lab and imaging
  • debridement
  • hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Take Action. Seek Specialized Treatment.

If you or someone you love is living with a non-healing wound, even if you have tried other treatments, don’t wait – seek specialized treatment. A multi-disciplinary Wound Treatment Center can identify and address the underlying reasons that the wound did not heal. Call the Wound Treatment Centers in Alma, Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Midland or West Branch toll free at (877) 683-0800 or visit www.mymichigan.org/woundcenter.

Source: National Library of Medicine - Factors Affecting Wound Healing