When you get a cut on your skin, you (usually) don’t think much of it since you know it’ll heal. It might be annoying, even a bit painful (depending on the length and depth of the cut), but after a while, a scab forms, and underneath, new skin starts growing.
Unfortunately, not all wounds act like this; some linger for weeks and even get worse, despite you taking all the necessary steps (keeping it clean and dressing it) to help it heal properly.
So what do you do when that happens?
The first thing to do is to figure out why the wound refuses to close, because that’s what your real problem is. And you’ll want to take care of that ASAP because this is more than a simple inconvenience.
Living with something like this can be exhausting and painful, but above that, it can also be very dangerous.
How Does ‘Healing’ Work?
Regardless of its size, every wound triggers a 4-stage chain reaction within the body (haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling). This 4-stage process is designed with the ultimate goal of replacing the existing wound with new tissue.
The first stage is the rush to stop the bleeding – haemostasis – where blood vessels tighten and clots form to seal the break. Next up is the immune system – inflammation – which clears out bacteria and debris so there’s less risk of infection. Once the area is clean, the body goes into repair mode – proliferation – and sends in new cells and blood vessels to rebuild lost tissue.
The process ends with scar tissue forming – remodelling – which strengthens and refines it, closing the wound entirely.
Each of these steps depends on the one before it, so if the bleeding doesn’t stop, it’s an open door for infection. If tissue doesn’t grow fast enough, the surface can’t close through re-epithelialisation, and the final remodelling phase can’t strengthen the scar.
None of this is a concern for healthy people, of course, but if your health is compromised, even a small wound can be the gateway to bigger issues.
For example, consider a nursing home filled with elderly residents, many of whom live with ongoing health conditions. Suppose one resident develops a small sore on their heel. If the wound isn’t properly cleaned or pressure on the area isn’t relieved, it can easily become infected.
This, sadly, happens more than you’d think, which is also the prime reason why victims (or families) look for a nursing home stage 4 ulcer lawyer for help and to ensure proper medical care, especially if the severe pressure injuries point to neglect, mistreatment, or even abuse.
Why Some Wounds Stall
Usually, there’s not just one single reason that’s preventing a wound from healing; it’s a mix of problems all working against the body at the same time.
Let’s take a closer look.
Poor Blood Flow
For tissue to be able to repair itself, it needs to have a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients. But the wound can’t heal if the blood flow is weak. Conditions like diabetes or vascular disease can shrink blood vessels and cut off circulation.
Another problem occurs when people spend a lot of time in bed or a wheelchair because they risk developing pressure points that reduce blood supply even more.
Ongoing Infection
Infection is one of the most common reasons why a wound doesn’t heal.
Bacteria that settle into a wound often create protective layers called biofilms, which make it hard for antibiotics to work. This means that the infection hangs around and, as long as there’s bacteria, the body is in a state of inflammation. And that blocks new tissue from forming.
As a result, the wound stays open and could even get worse over time.
Underlying Illnesses
A lot of long-term illnesses make it harder for the body to heal.
For example, diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, and kidney disease can mess with the body’s chemical balance. Issues like these put more pressure on the wound and keep it from closing the way it should.
If there are several illnesses present all at once, it’s even harder for the tissue to heal.
Lack of Nutrients
The body can’t build new tissue without fuel.
Each of the four healing phases will require different nutrients in order to function:
Haemostasis
- Protein (fibrin plug: platelets, fibrinogen, fibronectin, vitronectin, thrombospondin)
Inflammation
- Protein, Arginine, Glutamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B (complex), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc
Proliferation
- Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats (particularly omega-6 with omega-3), Arginine, Glutamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B (thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, cobalamins), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Iron
Remodelling
- Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, Iron
If any of these elements are missing (inadequate take, slow absorption rate, excessive losses, impaired utilisation, medication, age, etc.) from a particular stage, it could be slowed or completely stopped.
Conclusion
A wound that isn’t healing the way it should could be a strong indicator that there are bigger, more concerning issues.
The science of why a wound might stay open isn’t that complicated – it all boils down to balance. Your body requires fuel (energy and nutrients) and oxygen to repair the damage, but it also needs to be able to fend off infections, preventing your body from doing its job (immune system).
And if anything falls out of balance, the cellular repair process gets disrupted, and the wound may remain open or could have a slower healing rate.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article, “Why Do Some Wounds Refuse to Heal or Heal Slower”, is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be regarded as medical advice. It does not replace consultation, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
If you have a wound that is not healing, appears infected, or is causing pain, discomfort, or other health concerns, you should seek prompt medical attention from your GP, wound care specialist, or another licensed healthcare practitioner.
Open MedScience and its contributors make no representations, warranties, or guarantees, whether express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Any reliance placed on this content is strictly at the reader’s own discretion and risk.
References to legal or professional services, such as nursing home negligence claims, are provided strictly for informational purposes. They do not constitute legal advice or imply endorsement of any organisation, firm, or practitioner. Open MedScience and its contributors do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on the information presented in this article.
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