When Should I Seek Expert Care for a Non-Healing Wound?

From paper cuts to blisters to minor shaving nicks, wounds are a natural part of life. And for the most part, your body heals them proficiently without much intervention. However, some wounds may not heal as you expect. In these cases, at-home wound care just isn’t enough.

That’s where professional wound care — which includes medications, therapies, and treatments that aren’t available over the counter — comes into the picture. Dr. Asif Aziz and Guiselle Berry, FNP, offer wound care services here at Elite Primary Care, PA, in Greenville, Texas, and if you have concerns about nonhealing or severe wounds, we encourage you to visit our office.

Are you dealing with a nonhealing wound? 

A nonhealing wound, often referred to as a chronic wound, doesn’t progress through the normal stages of healing within a reasonable timeframe. While the specific timeline for healing may vary depending on factors such as wound type and your health, most wounds should show signs of improvement within a few weeks.

Individuals with diabetes or poor circulation are at risk for nonhealing wounds. Even small cuts or blisters can spiral into bigger issues if you don’t have good circulation. 

Signs that it’s time to seek expert care 

If you or a family member has a wound that isn't healing as expected, it's crucial to recognize when it's time to seek expert wound care. Here are some key indicators:

The wound isn’t getting better

If your wound doesn’t show any signs of improvement after several days (or weeks) or if it appears to be getting worse, that's a clear sign that you need professional care.

You notice evidence of an infection

The presence of infection is a serious concern. Signs of infection include increased pain, redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or a fever. Severe infections can spread and increase your risk of a systemic infection.

You have underlying health conditions

If you have health issues that may compromise your body's ability to heal, such as diabetes, vascular disease, or immune system disorders, you’re at higher risk for nonhealing wounds and should seek treatment at Elite Primary Care, PA, sooner.

There’s necrotic tissue 

The presence of dead or necrotic tissue in or around the wound can hinder the healing process and may require debridement. Wound debridement is a procedure designed to remove the nonviable (dead) tissue, which may appear black, hard, or even leathery.

Your wound is bleeding 

Wounds that continue to bleed or ooze for an extended period may require medical attention. Prolonged bleeding could be a sign of an underlying problem with blood clotting or blood vessel integrity.

You’ve had wound complications in the past 

If you have a history of wound healing problems or complications, don’t wait until a small wound becomes a big one. The earlier you seek help, the better the chances of treating the wound without serious complications. 

What to expect from professional wound care

Our team at Elite Primary Care, PA, performs a thorough evaluation and may use various treatments and technologies to address your wound, such as:

• Wound debridement 
• Topical or oral antibiotics
• Specialized wound dressings and bandages
• Compression therapy
• Stitches or staples to close open wounds
• Tissue grafting
• Offloading (relieving pressure on the area)

Dr. Aziz can also help you manage chronic conditions like diabetes that contribute to the development of slow-healing wounds.

Because nonhealing wounds can lead to serious complications like gangrene if they go unchecked, don’t hesitate to reach out if you spot the signs of trouble. You can reach us at 903-437-9212 or through our online booking system.