Our body has a complex physiological system for repairing and regenerating damaged skin tissues. Each tissue injury must go through various stages, from the onset of the initial wound to the actual healing process, where each overlaps in time and is necessary for proper tissue restoration. But then, how long does it take for a wound to heal?
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What is the healing time for a wound?
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Published February 1, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
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4 min read
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How long does it take for a wound to heal?
The time required for a wound to heal depends on its size, severity, depth, and location. For instance, minor injuries (scratches, small cuts, etc.), which do not present significant tissue damage or infection, heal within approximately four to six weeks. However, this does not include scar tissue, which takes longer to form and heal. Therefore, a full healing process can take a year or more, as the new tissue gains strength and solidity, replacing the temporary tissue in the injured area (remodeling phase).
The new skin will never regain 100% strength, but it will reach about 80% strength approximately 11 to 14 weeks after the injury has occurred.
Regarding deep or extensive wounds, they heal more quickly when they are closed (sutures, staples, glues, etc.) than when they are left open. Indeed, closing the wound reduces the area that the body needs to rebuild, focusing on healing a smaller surface. This is why surgical wounds generally heal faster than other types of wounds, taking six to eight weeks to heal.
The healing duration also depends on how you care for it. Wounds heal faster or better if you keep them covered. They also need moisture to heal. However, certain systemic disorders (diabetes, etc.), the use of certain medications, or immunosuppression can slow down or interrupt healing. This can occur even if your injury is due to a surgical procedure or a medical procedure. Finally, if a wound is located in a friction area (groin, etc.), it will take longer to heal.
If a wound has not healed within four weeks, it is referred to as "chronic" and can persist for weeks, or even months. In many cases, it cannot heal without medical intervention.
What can be done to promote good wound healing?
Whether it's related to a burn or a surgical procedure, a wound is a living area and its appearance will change over time. For your skin to heal better and faster, it is essential to take care of it by adopting certain daily habits that can influence the way the skin repairs itself.
Cleaning the wound: when an injury occurs, the first step is to clean it with warm soapy water or saline solution using a sterile compress to prevent any contamination and infection that can delay and disrupt the healing process. This care should be done throughout the duration of the healing.
Maintaining a moist healing environment: studies have shown that wet wounds heal 50% faster than dry wounds. Indeed, epithelialcells require moisture to migrate to the wound surface to close it. Therefore, make sure to cover it with a waterproof dressing for at least the first two to three weeks. After the wound has closed, apply a restorative care to your scar at least twice a day to soothe, hydrate, and aid the dermis and epidermis in regenerating.
Wet healing is not suitable for all types of wounds, such as gangrenous ulcers of the diabetic foot or fungal wounds.
Selecting the right dressing suitable for the wound: choose a dressing that helps create an optimal healing environment, that is, one that has antimicrobial properties, is capable of absorbing excess exudate, protects the edges of the wound and the perilesional skin, and maintains a moist environment.
Sources
MEDRADO A. R. A. P. & al. Wound healing - A literature review. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (2016).
ZITO P. M. & al. Wound healing phases. StatPearls (2023).
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