Most of us expect minor cuts, scrapes, or surgical wounds to heal within a few days or weeks. But when a wound lingers — refusing to close, staying inflamed, or showing signs of infection — it’s more than just a nuisance. It could be a sign of an underlying medical issue requiring expert attention.

At Charleston Wound Care, doctors Christopher Michaelis and Stirling Harper, along with their experienced staff, specialize in identifying and treating chronic and complex wounds with precision, compassion, and cutting-edge techniques. Here’s what you need to know about slow-healing wounds and when it’s time to seek professional care.

What Is a “Slow-Healing” Wound?

A wound is typically considered slow-healing or chronic if it shows little to no improvement after 2–3 weeks, or fails to heal completely after 6 weeks. Common types of chronic wounds include:

• Diabetic ulcers
• Venous or arterial ulcers
• Pressure sores (bedsores)
• Surgical incisions with delayed healing
• Traumatic wounds

When to Worry About a Wound

Not all wounds heal at the same rate, but certain signs should prompt you to schedule an evaluation:

1. Persistent Redness, Swelling, or Pain

If a wound remains red, swollen, or painful beyond a few days, it may indicate infection or poor circulation, which can delay healing.

2. Drainage or Odor

A foul-smelling or discolored discharge is often a sign of infection. This should never be ignored, especially if accompanied by fever or chills.

3. No Noticeable Improvement

If the size of the wound isn’t decreasing or the tissue looks pale or blackened, it could be a sign of tissue death (necrosis) or compromised blood flow.

4. Underlying Conditions

People with diabetes, poor circulation, autoimmune diseases, or a history of radiation therapy are more prone to slow-healing wounds. These conditions require specialized care to prevent complications.

Why Expert Wound Care Matters

Delayed wound healing can lead to severe complications — including deep infections, hospitalization, or even amputation. That’s why the expertise of a wound care specialist is crucial.

At Charleston Wound Care, Dr. Christopher Michaelis and Dr. Stirling Harper bring extensive experience in managing difficult wounds with personalized treatment plans that address both the surface and the root cause of the issue. Supported by a team of skilled wound care nurses and medical professionals, they use advanced therapies such as:

• Negative pressure wound therapy (wound vacs)
• Debridement
• Bioengineered skin substitutes
• Compression therapy

Patients trust Charleston Wound Care for our evidence-based approach, state-of-the-art technology, and compassionate patient care whether you’re managing a post-surgical wound or a chronic ulcer.

Early Intervention Is Key

If you or a loved one has a wound that’s not healing as expected, don’t wait it out. Delayed treatment can lead to more serious outcomes, but with the right care, healing is possible.

Contact Charleston Wound Care today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery.