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Wound healing is an amazing natural process, and most wounds heal over time with appropriate care. Some wounds, though, don’t heal as expected and can require special treatment to prevent them from worsening over time. These chronic non-healing wounds are estimated to affect about 6.5 million people in the U.S. Left untreated, non-healing wounds can lead to significant health problems, including extreme pain, loss of function and mobility, infection, or even amputation.

To learn more contact MD Wound today to schedule a consultation.

What causes chronic non-healing wounds?

While anyone can develop a wound that doesn’t heal properly, certain medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and complications can increase the risk. Chronic wounds may develop due to underlying health issues, pressure on the skin, infection, or disruptions in the body’s ability to heal. Understanding these contributing factors is key to preventing long-term complications and supporting proper wound care.

Risk factors for non-healing wounds

  • Have diabetes
  • Have circulatory or cardiovascular problems, including varicose veins
  • Have a weakened immune system
  • Are confined to a bed or spend extended time in a wheelchair
  • Are being treated with radiation therapy

Non-healing wounds can also develop:

  • After surgery when sutures don’t hold an incision closed, infection develops, or other problems occur
  • As a result of infection, which can impede the healing process
  • As a side effect of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, that can interfere with healing
  • From poor nutrition, when the body does not have the proteins and other nutrients needed for healthy healing
  • As a result of radiation therapy, when skin tissue is damaged
  • Due to inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can contribute to delayed wound healing

When to be concerned about a wound that isn’t healing

Most wounds heal within two to four weeks. If a wound hasn’t shown noticeable improvement after a month, it’s time to see a doctor. However, some symptoms require immediate medical attention—regardless of how long the wound has been present.

Redness or swelling

These can be early signs of infection and should not be ignored.

Unusual discharge

Yellow or green pus—or a large amount of clear fluid—often signals infection.

Bad smell

A foul odor coming from the wound, which may indicate tissue breakdown

Worsening pain

Pain that increases instead of improving could be a red flag.

Dark edges

Dark or bluish edges around the wound—signs that tissue may be dying

Ongoing bleeding

Bleeding that won’t stop, even after applying pressure for 15 minutes

Fever

A rising temperature may indicate the infection has spread beyond the wound site.

How are chronic non-healing wounds treated?

Treatment of a non-healing wound begins with a consultation with a wound care specialist who will examine the wound and ask questions to understand the cause of the wound. In his consultations, Dr. Feldmar will study the location, size, depth, and other characteristics of the wound, and ask you about your medical history, when you first noticed the problem, and how the wound has changed over time.

This consultation and assessment are key to treatment. Addressing the cause of the wound is often an important step in starting the healing process.Treatment may include:

01
Antibiotics and infection control
Preventing and eliminating infection is a critical part of wound care.
02
Nutritional support
Improving nutrition can correct deficiencies that delay wound healing.
03
Lifestyle modifications
Patients may receive guidance on managing chronic conditions, quitting tobacco, walking safely, and maintaining a healthy weight to support healing and prevent recurrence.
04
Wound debridement
Dead or infected tissue is removed under local anesthetic using tools, special dressings, or cleansing techniques. This is often repeated weekly to encourage healing and prevent infection.
05
Skin graft surgery
Healthy skin from another part of the body is transplanted to cover a wound.
06
Flap surgery
A type of skin graft where tissue remains connected to its blood supply during healing.
07
Tissue substitutes
Engineered materials like collagen or bio-skin are used to close complex wounds.
08
Corrective surgery
Procedures can address underlying issues like poor circulation or pressure from joint misalignment.
09
Soft tissue reconstruction
Used to restore natural form and function when tissue has been lost.

Specialized therapies to accelerate wound healing

For wounds that are especially slow to heal, advanced therapeutic options may be recommended to enhance circulation, oxygen delivery, and wound environment. These evidence-based treatments are designed to support the body’s natural healing processes and improve outcomes in complex cases.

01
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)
A vacuum-sealed dressing creates negative pressure to promote circulation and support healing.
02
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
Breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber increases blood oxygen levels and improves circulation to the wound.
03
Compression therapy
Bandages or stockings are used to boost blood flow in the legs and support healing of venous ulcers.
04
Advanced wound dressings
Specialized dressings—such as foams, films, gels, or antimicrobial materials—help maintain moisture, prevent infection, and remove dead tissue. Deep wounds may require packing for cleanliness and pressure balance.

Causes and types of chronic non-healing wounds

Wounds can be slow to heal for different reasons. Understanding the cause of the problem and the type of non-healing wound is a critical first step in choosing a course of treatment.There are four main types of non-healing wounds, each related to a specific cause:

01
Pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, develop when prolonged pressure on the skin reduces blood flow to the area. This often occurs in people who are immobile or bedridden. Without proper circulation, the skin and underlying tissue can gradually break down, especially over bony areas like the hips, tailbone, buttocks, or heels. If left untreated, pressure ulcers can worsen and lead to serious infections or tissue loss.
02
Diabetic ulcers
Diabetic ulcers are typically caused by nerve damage and poor circulation related to diabetes. When sensation is lost in the feet or legs, small injuries may go unnoticed and untreated, eventually turning into open wounds. Reduced blood flow in the area makes healing even more difficult and increases the risk of infection.
03
Venous leg ulcers
Venous ulcers form when the valves in the leg veins fail to regulate blood pressure properly. When pressure remains high for extended periods, blood can leak into surrounding tissue, leading to inflammation, itching, and eventually open sores. These ulcers most often appear just above the ankle on the inside of the leg.
04
Arterial ulcers
Also called ischemic ulcers, arterial ulcers occur due to damage in the arteries, which limits blood flow—especially to the extremities. The reduced circulation deprives tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to the formation of open wounds. Poor blood flow also delays healing, increasing the risk of the ulcer worsening or becoming infected.
Meet David Feldmar, MD
Double Board-Certified Surgeon Specializing in Advanced Wound Care

Dr. David Feldmar is a double board-certified surgeon in General and Cosmetic Surgery with a specialized focus in wound care. Known for his meticulous technique and compassionate approach, Dr. Feldmar leads a skilled team dedicated to treating complex, chronic, and post-surgical wounds. From managing diabetic ulcers and burns to performing advanced closures and graft procedures, his goal is to promote healing, prevent complications, and restore quality of life for every patient.

Whether at home or in a facility, Dr. Feldmar delivers expert wound care where it’s needed most—with a personalized, patient-first philosophy.

Confidence in every layer of healing.

Our team delivers advanced wound care with surgical precision and a human touch—because healing is more than skin deep.

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