What causes wound healing delays in elderly individuals?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 77-year-old woman who weighs 123 lbs with no health issues. I injured my leg in the tibia area 17 days ago and now have a triangular wound. I poured Hydrogen peroxide on it and then bandaged it with vaseline. The bandage has never gotten wet, but the wound is still not healed. The surrounding skin is irritated from the tape, so it is discolored. The skin partially adhered to the wound has dark and whitish areas. So, I am not sure if it is infected. Every day when I change the bandage, there is a trace of blood on it. I am not sure what to do next. Also, I would like to add that this is the third time I have had similar injuries in the past one year. I currently take tablets, NSAIDs, and low doses of Premarin.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

From your description, your wound must have healed after 17 days. Delayed wound healing in non-diabetic individuals could be due to infection or inappropriate dressing and bandage. However, kindly send me some clear photos of the wound and kindly answers my questions mentioned below,

1. Is there any swelling and redness around the wound?

2. Is there any discharge (like pus)?

For the time being, I suggest you to follow the instructions mentioned below,

1. Clean the wound with saline.

2. Wait until the wound becomes dry.

3. Apply an antiseptic ointment like Betadine (Povidone-Iodine) around the wound and not on the raw area.

4. Apply the antibiotic ointment if there is an infection.

5. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing.

6. Change the dressing every day if there is no infection.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up with the answers.

Take care.