Guides · For patients and caregivers

When to ask for additional wound care.

If healing is not progressing or follow-up is hard to arrange, discuss the next step with the treating clinician.

What to discuss with the care team

  • Ask for a clinical review when a wound is not progressing, becomes larger or reopens.
  • Report increasing pain, concerning drainage, dark tissue or other new changes promptly.
  • Mention diabetes, circulation concerns and other conditions that may affect healing.
  • Explain practical barriers such as transportation, limited mobility or difficulty keeping appointments.
  • For an urgent or life-threatening problem, seek emergency care instead of waiting for a website response.

Related.

More information: MedlinePlus: Wound healing

All guides

General information for discussing care with your clinician. Follow the instructions provided for your individual condition. For a medical emergency, call 911.