This could be necessary if a doctor fears that they may trap infectious germs in a wound by closing it. In these cases, they may allow the wound to drain or wait for the effects of other therapies to take place before closing the wound.

There are several types of wounds, depending on factors such as the source of the wound and any underlying issues that may lead to it. The type may alter how doctors treat the wound or other factors in the healing process. Wounds are typically open or closed.

A closed wound is an injury that does not break the surface of the skin but causes damage to the underlying tissues. A bruise is a common example of this.

On the other hand, open wounds break the surface of the skin and may also damage underlying tissues. Chronic wounds may also cause breakages in the skin that need to heal. These include bedsores, other pressure injuries, and diabetes-related ulcers.

All wounds go through different healing processes, ranging from the initial wound reaction to the later stages of creating new skin. Simple wounds, such as those without extensive tissue damage or infection, take about 4—6 weeks to heal.

This does not include scar tissue, however, which takes longer to form and heal. The hemostasis phase occurs as the injury happens and is the first response from the body. The wound causes blood and other fluids to leave the body.

The body responds by trying to stop this flow of blood. Affected blood vessels constrict to reduce blood flow. As some research notes, platelets and thrombocytes in the blood start to clump together near the open wound, forming a fibrin network. This thickens the blood in the immediate area to help stop the bleeding.

This newly formed clot also prevents germs from getting into the body. The platelets release chemicals that alert the surrounding cells to start the next process and heal the wound. There is generally some inflammation in the area, as the immune cells rush to the damaged tissue.

White blood cells enter the area to start cleaning out the wound and move any waste away from the site and out of the body. The proliferative phase of wound healing occurs when the wound is stable. The combined connective tissue and blood vessels is called granulation tissue. During the remodeling phase, the internal wound is mostly healed.

The process switches to creating strong skin to replace the temporary tissue in the area. Some research notes that this process occurs around 2 or 3 weeks after the injury and can last for 1 year or longer. This is the active scar tissue phase of healing.

The body replaces the temporary granular tissue from the early wound with stronger scar tissue. As time goes on, the scar tissue has an increased concentration of collagen, which makes it stronger.

Treatment and home care options for a wound will vary greatly based on a number of factors, such as the location of the wound, the type of wound, and any additional treatments that are necessary.

Treatments may include any closures needed, antibiotics to protect the wound, and dressings, in addition to other forms of therapy. Doctors will give people regular instructions on caring for their wound as it heals, as well as regular dates for check-ups to help monitor the healing process.

Learn more about how to help wounds heal faster here. Anyone who is uncertain about the severity or type of wound or the need for treatment should contact a doctor. Minor wounds, such as scrapes and small cuts, may not require a visit to the doctor.

However, anyone who experiences a larger wound or a wound that does not stop bleeding after the application of gentle pressure should contact a doctor for a full diagnosis and treatment. Wounds that cover larger areas of the skin, such as road rash , may also require professional medical attention.

These require proper cleaning to prevent contamination and infection. Anyone who notices symptoms of infection — such as itching, pain, and redness around the wound — should also contact a doctor.

Wound healing is a complex process with many stages, from the moment the initial wound occurs, through the various initial reactions of the body, to the process of healing itself. Minor wounds go through the stages of wound healing fairly quickly. More severe wounds will take longer to heal. Any symptoms of infection, as well as any major injuries, should prompt a visit to a doctor for a full diagnosis and treatment.

Anyone who is unsure about their wound healing should also contact a doctor. An open wound leaves internal tissue exposed. They require special care depending on the type of wound. Minor open wounds may not require medical…. Diabetes can cause wounds to heal more slowly, increasing the risk of infections and other severe complications.

However, careful hygiene can help…. Deciding whether to visit the emergency room or urgent care can be challenging. Learn more about how to decide here. Within minutes or even seconds, blood cells start to clump together and clot, protecting the wound and preventing further blood loss.

These clots, which turn into scabs as they dry, are created by a type of blood cell called a platelet. The clot also contains a protein called fibrin, which forms a net to hold the clot in place.

Once the wound is closed with a clot, the blood vessels can open a bit to allow fresh nutrients and oxygen into the wound for healing. Blood-borne oxygen is needed for healing. The right balance of oxygen is also important — too much or too little and the wound won't heal correctly.

Another type of blood cell, a white blood cell called a macrophage, takes on the role of wound protector. This cell fights infection and oversees the repair process. You might see some clear fluid on or around the cut at this time. That is helping clean out the wound.

Macrophages also make chemical messengers, called growth factors, which help repair the wound. Blood cells, including oxygen-rich red blood cells, arrive to help build new tissue.

Chemical signals tell the cells to create collagen. It serves as a type of scaffolding. Occasionally, you see the result of this process as a scar that starts out red and eventually dulls. Over time, the new tissue gets stronger.

You might notice stretching, itching, and even puckering of the wound as that happens. The wound gains strength quickly over the first 6 weeks of healing. Depending on the size and the severity of the wound, the entire healing process might take up to a couple of years to complete.

The process seems simple enough, but wound healing is really quite complicated and involves a long series of chemical signals.