Chronic Wounds

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

A chronic wound

is a wound that does not heal completely in 6 weeks. A wound is an injury that causes a break in the skin. There may also be damage to nearby tissues. Examples of wounds that can become chronic are deep ulcers (open sores), large burns, and infected cuts.

Common symptoms that may happen with chronic wounds include the following:

• Fever
• The area around your wound is red and warm to the touch
• Milky, yellow, green, or brown pus in the wound
• Bleeding, swelling, or pain in the affected area
• Trouble moving the affected area
• Wound has become larger or deeper
• Dark or black skin around the wound

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You have increased or new pain, swelling, redness, or bleeding in or around your wound.
• You have pus or a foul odor coming from your wound.
• Your skin itches or has a rash.
• You have open sores, blisters, or changes in the color or temperature of your skin.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment for chronic wounds

depends on where your wound is located and how severe it is. If a medical condition such as diabetes is delaying wound healing, it is important to treat the condition. Healthcare providers may change your treatment over time if your wound still does not heal. Your treatment may also change as your wound heals. You may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics may be given to prevent or treat an infection caused by bacteria.
• Wound care:
  • Cleansing is done by flushing the wound with sterile fluid. Healthcare providers may use a large syringe with a needle or catheter (tube) tip. They may also use a liquid that kills germs.
  • Debridement is done to remove anything from the wound that can delay healing and lead to infection. This includes dead tissue, and objects such as small rocks and dirt. Your healthcare provider may cut out the damaged areas in or around the wound. Your provider may also drain the wound to clean out pus. Moist bandages may be placed inside the wound, or bandages that contain enzymes may be used. Hydrotherapy (whirlpool treatment) uses water to clean wounds. It may be used to clean and debride burn wounds.
  • Dressings are used to protect the wound and promote wound healing. Many kinds of dressings can be used for chronic wounds. An elastic bandage may be wrapped around the wound area to put light pressure on it. The light pressure helps to decrease swelling in tissues around the wound area. Dressings may be in the form of bandages, gauze, films, gels, or foams. They may contain substances to help your wound heal faster.
  • Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may also be done. This therapy is also called wound vacuum, or wound vac therapy. A vacuum device uses suction to remove fluid and waste from your wound and pull the edges closer together. NPWT may also increase blood flow and new tissue growth in the wound.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to get more oxygen into the area of the wound. The oxygen is given under pressure inside a pressure chamber. You may need to have this therapy more than 1 time.

Help your wounds heal:

• Eat healthy foods and drink liquids as directed. Healthy foods give your body the nutrients it needs to heal your wound. Liquids prevent dehydration that can decrease the blood supply to your wound. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, grains (breads and cereals), dairy, and protein foods. Protein foods include meat, fish, nuts, and soy products. Protein, calories, vitamin C, and zinc help wounds heal. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about the foods you should eat to improve healing.
• Do not smoke. If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Smoking delays wound healing. Smoking also increases your risk for infection after surgery. Ask your provider for information if you need help quitting.

Prevent pressure wounds:

Pressure wounds can develop when blood flow to an area is blocked. For example, you sit or lie in the same position without moving and put pressure on your heels. You can prevent pressure wounds by doing any of the following:

• Change your position every 15 minutes while you are sitting.
• Change your position every 2 hours while you lie in bed.
• Prop your legs on pillows to lift your heels while you are lying down.
• Check your skin or have someone else check your skin daily. Check the areas that are common to pressure wounds such as, elbows, heels, and buttocks. Common early signs of pressure wounds are open sores, blisters, or changes in color or temperature.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

You need to return to have your wound checked. You may need to return to have the bandage changed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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