Recognising a chronic wound: Signs you should take seriously

When does a wound become a chronic wound?

SpitexCare collaborates with its specialist partner Rodday in the field of wound management. Rodday’s wound care specialists define a chronic wound as one that takes longer than six to eight weeks to heal after it first appears. Another key factor is whether the wound actually improves during this time. A wound that is healing well will visibly improve over time. If, on the other hand, it remains open for weeks or worsens, healing is not progressing properly and this may indicate a chronic wound.

These are common causes of chronic wounds

A wound can result from a blow, a fall, a surgical site, or a minor injury. Normally, the body then initiates the natural healing process. To do so, it needs the right conditions: good blood circulation, as little pressure as possible on the affected area, and no additional stress from germs or underlying medical conditions.

Chronic wounds are particularly often linked to medical conditions or stressors that hinder healing. These include, for example:

• Diabetes

• Vascular diseases such as chronic venous insufficiency or peripheral arterial disease

Pressure sores, bacteria, or existing underlying medical conditions can also interfere with healing. That’s why our specialists don’t just look at the open wound. They also determine why the wound isn’t healing.

Signs that a wound is not healing normally

A wound that is healing normally should show clear improvement over time. It should ooze less, have no noticeable odor, and gradually cause less pain. A small amount of clear, slightly bloody, or pale wound fluid can also be normal.

Patients should be alert if the wound changes significantly or worsens. Our wound care experts pay particular attention to the following signs:

• The wound suddenly starts oozing more heavily.

• The wound fluid appears greenish.

• The wound has an unpleasant or unusual odor.

• The pain increases.

• The affected area feels more strained or is sensitive to pressure.

Such changes may indicate that bacteria are interfering with healing or that the wound is not healing properly for other reasons. In such cases, the wound should be evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

When should I see a doctor or healthcare professional?

This means that those affected do not have to wait until the six- to eight-week mark. This timeframe simply describes the point at which healthcare professionals begin to classify a wound as chronic. Seeking help earlier is often advisable, especially if you’re unsure or if the wound isn’t healing as expected despite proper care.

A simple guideline can help: If the wound shows visible improvement, it can be monitored further. If it remains the same, gets larger, or if noticeable changes such as increased oozing, odor, or worsening pain occur, we recommend consulting a specialist.

People with diabetes, known vascular diseases, or recurring wounds on the leg, toe, or heel should act particularly quickly. Our wound care experts often find that those affected initially wait to see what happens or try home remedies. This can result in valuable time being lost.

Why an Early Professional Assessment Is Important for Wounds

A chronic wound is rarely just a skin problem. To assess it properly, specialists don’t just look at the open wound. They also examine what’s hindering healing—or what’s underlying the condition.

An early assessment by experienced wound care specialists helps identify potential causes more quickly and plan appropriate care. Together with our partner Rodday, SpitexCare can arrange for a professional assessment of the wound and coordinate further care in a targeted manner.

In short: A wound that isn’t healing should be taken seriously. Not every minor injury is immediately a problem. But if healing stalls or the wound changes, seeking professional advice is the right next step.

Are you having trouble with a wound? We’d be happy to provide you with a no-obligation consultation: