What to Know About Wound Recovery
Everyone gets a cut or scrape now and then. Usually, your body is great at bouncing back. But what about those times when a wound just won’t heal? Understanding the phases of wound healing helps you recognize when things are on track—and when it’s time to seek medical attention.
The Four Phases of Healing
When your skin breaks due to a cut or scrape, the healing process begins right away. Here’s how it works:
- Hemostasis: Think of this as your body’s emergency brake. When you get a cut, your body halts blood flow to the area within minutes. This sets the stage for the next step in the healing process.
- Inflammation: While chronic inflammation can be problematic, acute inflammation is phase two of wound healing. Your body forms a clot, which scabs over into a natural bandage, acting as a germ-fighting barrier.
- Proliferation: After the initial stabilization phases, your body kicks into reconstruction mode. Collagen and oxygen-rich cells flock to the damaged area to build new skin. This makes the injured area appear red and swollen for a few days.
- Maturation: A scar often forms where the cut occurred. Over time, this area softens, flattens, and fades until it looks more like the original skin. Your body remains at work, fortifying the area for the next year or more, depending on the wound’s severity.
What Healthy Healing Looks Like
Monitoring the stages your wound passes through can tip you off on its progress. Some indicators of proper healing include:
- Blood clotting at the wound site
- Scab formation
- Mild swelling
- Scarring
If you notice your cut hasn’t improved after a month, it’s now considered a chronic wound. This is when you should consult a wound care specialist.
Help! My Wound Won’t Heal
If your wound stays open or takes a long time to heal, contact a healthcare provider. Treatment options vary from prescriptions to specialized therapies like wound debridement, a technique that eliminates dead or infected tissue to facilitate healing.
What an Infected Wound Looks Like
Watch out for these signs of an infection:
- Fever and chills
- Worsening pain at the wound site
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Nausea and vomiting
Preventative Measures
To ensure optimal healing and avoid an infected wound, follow these steps:
- Keep the injury covered for about five days.
- Change the dressing frequently.
- Clean the wound with water and soap each time you change the dressing.
- Apply antiseptic ointment before applying the new dressing.
- Watch for any concerning changes to the wound.
Factors That Increase Your Risk of Infection
Certain conditions make you more susceptible to wound complications, including:
- Older age
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Poor circulation
- Vascular issues
- Weakened immune system
Seek Medical Care for an Infected Wound
For quality wound care, turn to Village Emergency Centers. We have six strategically located centers in the Greater Houston Area, where patients receive 24/7 emergency care by board-certified doctors. We accept all private insurance, with rapid lab results and quick admission and discharge processes. We even ensure virtually no wait times to deliver the care you need without delay. Come see us, or visit our website for more information.