Signs You Need to See a Wound Care Specialist

When Should You See a Wound Care Specialist?

While minor cuts and scrapes typically heal on their own, some wounds require medical intervention. You should schedule an evaluation with a wound care specialist if you experience:

• A wound that does not heal within two weeks
• Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound
• Persistent pain, drainage, or a foul odor
• Dark or blackened skin around the wound (a sign of necrosis or tissue death)
• Visible pus or signs of infection
• Worsening of an existing wound despite at-home care
• Tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation near the wound
• A history of diabetes, poor circulation, or vascular disease

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), chronic wounds affect approximately 6.5 million people in the United States, often due to underlying vascular conditions, diabetes, or prolonged pressure on the skin. Seeking early intervention from a wound care specialist can significantly reduce complications and improve healing outcomes.

Types of Wounds That Require Specialized Care

Certain types of wounds are more prone to complications and require expert treatment. These include:

1. Diabetic Foot Ulcers

• One in four people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their lifetime.
• Slow healing due to poor circulation and nerve damage increases the risk of infection and amputation.

2. Venous Stasis Ulcers

• Caused by poor vein function, leading to swollen, discolored, or weeping wounds on the legs.
• Requires compression therapy and vascular treatment to promote healing.

3. Ischemic Wounds

• Caused by blocked arteries reducing blood flow to the skin and tissues.
• Often found in patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

4. Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)

• Develop in immobile patients due to prolonged pressure on certain areas of the body.
• Requires wound debridement, dressings, and repositioning therapy.

5. Non-Healing Surgical Wounds

• If a surgical incision remains open, infected, or slow to heal, specialized treatment is necessary.
• May require advanced wound care, debridement, or vascular intervention.

How a Wound Care Specialist Can Help

At Vascular Surgery Associates, our specialists use advanced diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art treatments to promote faster healing and prevent serious complications. Treatment options include:

Delaying Wound Treatment Can Lead to Serious Consequences

Ignoring the warning signs of a chronic or infected wound can lead to severe complications, including:

• Infections that spread to deeper tissues, bones, or the bloodstream (sepsis)
• Gangrene, which can lead to tissue death and amputation
• Permanent nerve or vascular damage, reducing mobility
• Prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs

Research shows that patients who seek professional wound care early have up to a 40% higher chance of successful healing compared to those who delay treatment.