Understanding the phases of wound healing can help clinicians make better treatment decisions and recognize barriers to healing sooner. This FAQ, inspired by a recent episode of WoundConversations with Dr. Jeanine Maguire and Cathy Milne, talks about inflammation, proliferation, wound assessment, and why some wounds get stuck in the healing process. To listen to the full episode, click here. 

What are the main phases of wound healing?

The four primary phases of wound healing are hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Each phase serves a specific purpose and requires different clinical considerations to support optimal healing.

How can clinicians tell if a wound is stuck in the inflammatory phase?

Signs of prolonged inflammation may include persistent redness, excessive drainage, delayed healing, increased pain, or evidence of infection. Clinicians should evaluate both the wound and the patient's overall health to identify contributing factors.

What does healthy granulation tissue look like?

Healthy granulation tissue is typically bright red or pink, moist, and indicates active tissue growth. Clinicians should monitor whether the tissue continues progressing toward closure and assess for signs of friability or biofilm.

Why is accurate wound diagnosis important?

Correctly identifying the wound type helps clinicians choose appropriate interventions and set realistic healing expectations. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments and delayed healing.

Why should clinicians focus on the whole patient and not just the wound?

Wounds often reflect broader systemic issues such as poor nutrition, vascular disease, infection, pressure, or impaired immunity. Addressing these underlying factors is essential for successful healing.