MD Podiatrist Discusses Wound Care

There’s an old English proverb that says, “Time heals all wounds,” but doctors will tell you that the saying is only true for some. As a general rule of thumb, it should take two weeks for a wound to start healing and four weeks to complete the process, says Daniel Michaels, DPM. Depending on the type, location, size, and severity of the injury as well as any pre-existing conditions, however, some people cannot rely on time alone and will have to seek the specialized attention of a physician to ensure their wounds heal properly and remain infection-free within a few months of treatment, depending on variables in each patient’s condition, he added.
 
“When it comes to wound care, your own medical history should also play a role in how proactive you are in seeking treatment. If you’ve previously had issues with wound healing, consult with a wound care specialist sooner rather than later. Pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, cardiac disease, vascular disease, and disorders of the immune system can greatly impact the wound healing process and how it needs to be treated,” says Dr. Michaels.