How to Care for a Non-Healing Wound
A wound that does not heal as expected may be a sign of an underlying problem that requires specialized care. Non-healing wounds can develop from diabetes, poor circulation, infection, pressure, injury, surgery, or other medical conditions that interfere with the body's natural healing process.
If a wound continues to remain open, becomes larger, drains, or shows little improvement over time, it is important to have it evaluated by a wound care specialist. Early treatment can help prevent complications and support the healing process.
Chronic wounds can be painful, limit your mobility, and even threaten your independence. But there's hope. At San Gorgonio Wound Care Center, we offer advanced treatments and compassionate care to help you heal faster and reclaim your life.
Our mission is to provide exceptional, compassionate, and patient-centered care. We are dedicated to healing, improving quality of life, limb preservation, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for our patients. We value cross-specialty alignment to ensure the best outcomes.
Key Steps for Caring for a Non-Healing Wound
1. Keep the Wound Clean and Protected
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for cleaning and dressing the wound. Avoid using harsh chemicals or home remedies unless specifically recommended by your medical provider.
2. Follow Your Dressing Instructions
Change dressings according to the instructions provided by your wound care team. Keeping the wound appropriately covered can help protect it from additional injury and contamination.
3. Reduce Pressure on the Wound
If the wound is located on the foot, heel, or another pressure-bearing area, reducing pressure can be an important part of healing. Use prescribed offloading devices or other equipment as directed.
4. Monitor for Changes
Pay attention to changes in drainage, odor, redness, swelling, pain, wound size, or the appearance of the surrounding skin. Report concerning changes to your healthcare provider.
5. Address the Cause
A wound may continue to return or remain open if the underlying cause is not addressed. Diabetes management, circulation problems, pressure, infection, nutrition, and other contributing factors may all need to be considered.
Early evaluation may help identify problems that are preventing the wound from healing and reduce the risk of more serious complications.
Collaborative Care
Patient-Centered Goals
We work closely with referring physicians to ensure continuity of care and optimal patient outcomes.
Timely Communication
We provide regular updates on your patients' progress and promptly address any concerns.
Improved Quality of Life
Our goal is to help patients heal faster, reduce pain, and regain their mobility and independence.
Seamless Insurance
Our enrollment team verifies insurance, coordinates care transitions, and schedules the initial evaluation.
Dr. Shanna NewboldOur team is led by Dr. Shanna Newbold who is a board-certified emergency physician with more than 10 years of specialized wound care experience.
She is one of very few providers certified by The American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery.
Our group also consists of experienced mid level providers, wound techs and an Infectious Disease consultant. We have a passion for healing and wholeness.