By Daniel Simon, MD
Board Certified Interventional Vascular Radiologist
October 18, 2021
5 common causes of chronic wounds
The causes of chronic wounds vary depending on the patient and can be caused by a variety of events. Let us take a look at some common causes for these wounds, so you can tell if your wound is chronic or not.
1) Diabetes: A diabetic’s body does not produce enough insulin to break down sugars in the bloodstream. This leads to an increased level of sugar in the blood, which damages small blood vessels and nerves, leading to ulcers that don’t heal properly.
2) Smoking: More than half of smokers will develop a life-threatening wound as a result of smoking. If you use tobacco, I recommend you quit as soon as possible to avoid problems with your skin and body in general.
3) Diseases & conditions: There are several diseases and medical conditions which can cause chronic wounds, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), arterial hypertension (high blood pressure), and peripheral artery disease (PAD). These diseases affect the underlying layers of the skin and decrease circulation. This slows down cell renewal and wound healing, allowing bacteria to develop easily at the injury site.
4) Age: Age-related wounds take a long time to heal and are often more severe. Chronic wounds can also be caused by injuries, but it is important to recognize whether or not your wound is chronic because treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the cause of the wound.
5) Other chronic conditions: Certain medical conditions, both physical and mental, can delay the wound healing process, which leads to chronic wounds. For example, people suffering from depression often have poor circulation in their legs. This means that oxygenated blood isn’t being distributed properly to the limb’s tissue, causing damage or even leading to ulcers if the wound becomes infected.
There are many causes of chronic wounds, but let’s focus on the most common ones that you should be aware of as a patient or a caregiver for somebody else. It is important to recognize whether or not your wound is chronic because treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the cause of the wound. Although there are many causes for chronic wounds, if you have been experiencing any of these symptoms for longer than three months, we recommend you seek medical attention as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to treat your wound.
If you have any questions about your wound or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at 718-524-3399.
