You got a cut or scrape weeks ago, but instead of healing, it’s still red, swollen, or even leaking fluid. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a non-healing wound. You might think, “It’s fine, I’ll just keep cleaning it,” but what if your wound is “stuck” and your body isn’t healing as it should?
Many people believe myths about wound healing, which can lead to serious infections, prolonged pain, and even hospitalization. To help you separate fact from fiction, we asked Dr. Scott Wessner, Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Health Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbarics, to debunk some of the most common misconceptions.
Myth #1: “If A Wound Doesn’t Hurt, It Must Be Healing”
The Truth: No pain doesn’t mean no problem.
Many people think a wound that doesn’t hurt must be healing just fine. But this isn’t always the case, especially for people with diabetes, nerve damage, or circulation issues.
“Some chronic wounds, like diabetic foot ulcers, can be completely painless because of nerve damage,” warns Dr. Wessner. “By the time a patient notices the problem, the wound may already be infected or deep enough to expose muscle and bone.”
What to do: Even if your wound isn’t painful, check for redness, swelling, unusual drainage, or slow healing. These are all signs you may need medical care.
Myth #2: “I Can Just Treat It at Home”
The Truth: Home care only works for minor cuts and scrapes.
A non-healing wound is one that doesn’t improve within four weeks. While cleaning and bandaging at home is good for small, surface-level cuts, it’s not enough for wounds that are deep, infected, or slow to heal.
“If a wound isn’t healing, it means something is interfering with the body’s natural recovery process,” stresses Dr. Wessner. “This could be infection, poor circulation, or even an underlying health condition like diabetes.”
What to do: If your wound hasn’t improved in four weeks, it’s time to see a specialist.
Myth #3: “All I Need Is Antibiotic Ointment”
The Truth: Ointments don’t fix the root cause of chronic wounds.
Many people assume that applying antibiotic ointment will speed up healing. While these creams help prevent infection in minor cuts, they don’t work for deep, chronic, or infected wounds.
“Chronic wounds often need more than just topical treatment,” explains Dr. Wessner. “They may require specialized dressings, debridement, or even advanced therapies like hyperbaric oxygen treatment.”
What to do: Instead of relying on over-the-counter ointments, see a wound care specialist to identify the underlying cause and get the right treatment.
Myth #4: “It’s Just a Skin Problem”
The Truth: A non-healing wound is often a symptom of a bigger health issue.
A slow-healing wound isn’t just about the skin. It’s often a warning sign of an underlying medical condition. The most common culprits include:
- Diabetes – High blood sugar damages blood vessels, slowing wound healing.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) – Poor circulation means wounds don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients.
- Venous insufficiency – Blood pools in the veins, leading to leg ulcers.
- Weakened immune system – Conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases can impair healing.
“If we don’t treat the root cause, the wound will keep coming back,” reminds Dr. Wessner.
What to do: If you have a chronic health condition, make sure you’re managing it properly to prevent slow-healing wounds.
Myth #5: “If a Wound is Red, That Means It’s Healing”
The Truth: Redness can be a sign of infection.
A little redness around a wound can be normal. But if the redness spreads, lasts too long, or feels warm, it could mean infection.
Signs your wound may be infected include:
- Increased redness and swelling
- Yellow, green, or foul-smelling drainage
- Fever or chills
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
“An untreated wound infection can spread to the bone or bloodstream, leading to serious complications like sepsis,” cautions Dr. Wessner.
What to do: If you notice spreading redness, pus, or fever, seek medical care immediately.
Myth #6: “I Don’t Need to See a Doctor Unless My Wound Gets Worse”
The Truth: Waiting too long can lead to serious complications.
Many people delay seeing a doctor because they think a wound will eventually heal on its own. But waiting too long can turn a simple wound into a major health risk.
“A wound that isn’t healing in four weeks needs professional care,” advises Dr. Wessner. “The longer you wait, the higher the risk of infection, hospitalization, or even amputation in severe cases.”
What to do: Don’t wait until your wound is infected or worsening. Seek help as soon as you notice slow healing.
Myth #7: “Only the Elderly Get Non-Healing Wounds”
The Truth: Anyone can develop a chronic wound.
While older adults and people with diabetes are at higher risk, anyone can develop a slow-healing wound if:
- They have poor circulation or low immune function
- The wound is in an area of repeated pressure or friction (like bedsores)
- They smoke, which reduces oxygen flow to wounds
- They have chronic swelling in their legs or feet
What to do: No matter your age, if your wound isn’t healing, see a specialist.
When to See a Doctor for a Non-Healing Wound
Think you have a wound that isn’t healing properly? You should see a wound care specialist if:
- Your wound hasn’t improved in four weeks
- You notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, fever)
- You have diabetes, circulation problems, or immune issues
- The wound is deep, painful, or getting worse
How Wound Care Specialists Can Help
At St. Joseph’s Health, our wound care team offers advanced treatments to help wounds heal faster, including:
- Debridement – Removing dead tissue to promote new skin growth
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – Using oxygen-rich air to speed healing
- Advanced Wound Dressings – Medicated and moisture-retaining dressings
- Compression Therapy – Improving blood flow in leg ulcers
- Infection Control – Treating underlying infections with antibiotics
“Modern wound care treatments can make a huge difference,” reassures Dr. Wessner. “The sooner we intervene, the better the healing process.”
If you or a loved one is living with a non-healing wound, don’t wait. St. Joseph’s Health offers expert care at our brand-new Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbarics at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center. Featuring advanced therapies like hyperbaric oxygen treatment and a team of multidisciplinary specialists, we’re here to deliver hope – and healing – when it’s needed most.
Learn more about our Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbarics, and discover how our expert wound care team can help you heal faster, feel better, and get back to life. Or schedule an appointment with a St. Joseph’s Health physician today.
