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Wound care
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Wound careDiabetic Foot Wound Not Healing: What to DoA foot wound that is not healing in a person with diabetes is a serious concern requiring prompt medical attention. Diabetes impairs wound healing through peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, and immune dysfunction — and what looks like a minor sore can deteriorate rapidly. Do not wait more than a few days before contacting a clinician.Wound care | seek-careWound careDoes My Cut Need Stitches? How to TellWounds longer than about half an inch, deep enough to expose yellow fat or underlying structures, on the face or hands, or that won't stop bleeding after 10 to 15 minutes of direct pressure almost always need professional closure. The window for stitches is generally 6 to 18 hours from injury, depending on body site.Wound care | educationWound careHow Long Does a Wound Take to Heal?Most minor cuts and abrasions close within one to two weeks. Deeper lacerations or surgical wounds typically take four to six weeks to regain solid structural strength, and full tissue remodeling can continue for up to a year. Wound depth, location, and overall health all affect the timeline.Wound care | educationWound careHow to Clean and Dress a Wound at HomeClean the wound under cool running water for one to two minutes, apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly to keep the surface moist, then cover with a non-adherent dressing changed daily or whenever it gets wet or soiled. Avoid hydrogen peroxide and iodine — both damage new cells. Clean, moist, and protected is the foundation of home wound care.Wound care | educationWound careHow to Prevent Diabetic Foot UlcersDaily foot inspection, properly fitted shoes, keeping skin moisturized but dry between the toes, and careful nail care are the most important habits for preventing diabetic foot ulcers. People with diabetes-related neuropathy often cannot feel a wound forming, making a daily visual check critical.Wound care | educationWound careSigns of an Infected Wound: When to See a DoctorThe key signs of wound infection are increasing redness that spreads beyond the wound edge, warmth, swelling, new or worsening pain, and pus or foul-smelling discharge. A wound infection caught early can often be treated with oral antibiotics; a missed infection can spread to deeper tissue or the bloodstream.Wound care | seek-care