How wounds heal, and what to do when they don’t
By Dr. Michael Miller, Indianapolis North & Indianapolis South LIVING WELL Magazine
The Miller Care Group is composed of IndyWound, IndyLymphedema, and IndyNutrition. We provide a unique treatment framework, where we evaluate, diagnose, and successfully heal wounds, and related conditions in which normal healing did not occur.
For most people, a simple cut or scrape heals with little to no attention in about a week. However, occasionally what appears to be a simple cut, scrape, or break in the skin persists for much longer than expected or desired.
There are many myths that persist regarding healing such as “letting the air get to an open cut heals it faster,” “people with diabetes heal slower than non diabetics,” or that using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol will “kill the bacteria” to make a cut heal faster. In fact, our bodies come complete with a healing tool kit, but we need to provide the right mediums for healing to occur. The keys to healing are to maximize the good components (nutrition, modern wound dressings, seeking expert help when needed), and avoid those things that slow down healing (exposure to air, using caustic, irritating products like peroxide or alcohol in open wounds, overuse of antibiotics).
Modern wound healing is based on well proven, scientific, evidence-based information that is easily understood, makes sense, and need not be expensive.
In simplest terms, the skin is the main protection for the delicate internal organs, from the harsh external environment. While the skin is essentially dry, the tissues underneath are moist, and when there is loss of the skin keeping them moist, it is of significant importance. Using treatments that are painful, cause burning or are otherwise irritating are counter intuitive – as these are all signs that there may be something wrong going on with the tissues. Maintaining good nutrition, treating swelling, avoiding actions that exacerbate pain (and thus inhibit healing), and protecting the injured area by putting it at rest are all important parts of getting injuries better. Our bodies have the natural ability to fight infection, and current research proves that antibiotics need not be the first step in healing.
Occasionally, even with all of the above, a wound may fail to show signs of healing. There are many processes that must occur to promote healing, so that even a single missing or altered part can result in failure to heal. The good news is that usually, once the reason is identified, it is simple to resolve. The complicated part is to identify the reason. Since antibiotics are rarely the treatment for a wound failing to heal, the investigation needs to be based on logical diagnoses, understanding how wounds heal, and years of dedicated experience in treating non-healing wounds and related concerns.
When should you call a wound care specialist?
*Your cut, scrape, wound or injury fails to show any signs of healing after a week.
*Your cut, scrape, wound or injury starts to look and feel worse after a week.
*There is increased redness, swelling, pain or warmth around a cut, scrape, wound or injury.
*The swelling in your legs does not respond to the water pills and/or starts to increase.
*There is no improvement in your cut, scrape, wound or injury after a single course of antibiotics.
*If you are or know a diabetic with a callus, skin break, ulcer or peeling skin anywhere on the legs or feet.
*Any condition involving the loss of your skin, anywhere on your body that does not improve despite routine medical care.
Dr. Michael S. Miller, DO, FACOS, FAPWCA, WCC is the CEO of The Miller Care Group, and he prides himself on providing quality care to his patients. He specializes in treating severe, non-healing wounds, and has been a leading expert on wound care for over 20 years. Dr.
Miller’s expertise has taken him all over the world to share, and teach his wound care techniques. His success and continued positive patient outcomes have him in high demand all over Indiana. Working in conjunction with the staff at The Miller Care Group, Dr. Miller ensures the most cost effective, patient centered care available. Our results speak for themselves. We look forward to helping you with your wound, or related care needs. Please call the office today at
1-317-908-1678 or visit us at www.millercaregroup.com.
Services We Provide
- Wound Care Assessment and Treatment
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Limb Preservation Clinic
- In Home Wound Assessment
- Lymphedema and Leg Swelling Assessment and Treatment
- Nutritional Assessment and Treatment
- Venous Disease Treatment
