Wound healing: phases and process

In short: Wound healing proceeds through several consecutive phases: haemostasis, inflammation, new tissue formation, and finally remodelling into scar tissue. The body has highly complex, automatic mechanisms for this.

In more detail: Healing time depends on wound size, infection risk, and individual factors such as age and pre-existing conditions.

In detail

• Haemostasis: Within minutes, platelets seal the wound and form an initial protective plug.
• Inflammatory phase: White blood cells migrate in, fight germs, and clear away damaged tissue.
• Proliferation phase: New connective tissue and blood vessels form, filling the wound with fresh tissue.
• Epithelialisation: Skin cells migrate inward from the wound edge and close the surface.
• Scar formation: New tissue is remodelled and stabilised over weeks to months, often resulting in a visible scar.
• Disruptive factors: Smoking, diabetes, and malnutrition can significantly delay wound healing.
• Wound care: A clean, moist wound environment promotes healing better than letting the wound dry out.
• Note: Not a substitute for medical advice.

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