Why Some Wounds Just Won’t Heal: What Most People Are Missing
This article explores why some wounds become slow to heal, looking at common underlying factors such as hidden infection, inflammation, and the body’s internal healing environment, and how a more supportive, integrative approach may help restore the natural healing process.
By Dr Catherine W. Dunne, MSc.D., RGN (GPN)
If you’ve ever had a wound that seemed to linger far longer than it should, you’ll know how frustrating it can be.
It starts small.
A cut. A graze. A surgical site.
Then weeks pass… and it’s still there.
For some people, especially those with diabetes, circulatory issues, or ongoing inflammation, wounds can become slow, stubborn, and difficult to manage.
But here’s the part many people are never told:
👉 Not all wounds fail to heal because of the skin.
Very often, the issue lies beneath the surface.
The Hidden Problem: Why Healing Gets Stuck
In clinical practice, delayed wound healing is usually linked to three key factors:
1. Persistent Low-Level Infection
Even when a wound doesn’t look obviously infected, bacteria can still be present.
These microbes don’t always behave in the way we expect.
They don’t just sit on the surface, they organise themselves.
2. Biofilm Formation (The “Invisible Shield”)
Bacteria can form what’s known as a biofilm, a protective layer that acts like a shield.
Inside this structure:
- bacteria become harder to kill
- standard treatments may struggle to reach them
- the wound remains in a prolonged inflammatory state
This is one of the main reasons wounds become chronic.
3. Ongoing Inflammation
When the body senses something isn’t right, it stays in “repair mode.”
But if that phase never switches off:
- healing slows
- tissue regeneration is impaired
- the wound can stall completely
Why Standard Treatments Don’t Always Work
Modern wound care is excellent in many ways, particularly with:
- advanced dressings
- infection control
- moisture balance
But even with the best care, some wounds:
- plateau
- re-open
- or simply refuse to progress
This is where we begin to look at adjunctive approaches, methods that support the body rather than replace standard care.
A Quietly Powerful Tool: Silver in Wound Care
Silver has been used in wound care for centuries.
In modern practice, it is commonly found in specialised dressings used in hospitals and community settings.
Its value lies in its ability to:
- reduce harmful bacteria in the wound
- interfere with how bacteria grow and spread
- support a cleaner environment for healing
This can be particularly helpful in wounds that appear clean but are not progressing.
More recently, there has been growing interest in colloidal silver, which contains very small (nano-sized) particles suspended in solution.
Research and clinical observation suggest it may:
- help reduce the number of bacteria present
- disrupt protective layers that bacteria form to shield themselves (known as biofilms)
- support a more balanced healing environment
Importantly, when used appropriately, it is considered an adjunct, meaning it works alongside standard wound care rather than replacing it.
A Holistic View of Wound Healing
From a holistic perspective, wound healing is never just about the skin.
It involves:
- circulation
- immune function
- how the body produces and uses energy, regulates blood sugar, and controls inflammation
- balanced inflammation response
And sometimes, small supportive interventions can help the body return to a natural healing state.
Final Thoughts
If a wound is slow to heal, it does not mean the body has failed.
It usually means something is getting in the way.
Understanding factors such as infection, biofilm, and inflammation can make a significant difference in how we approach care.
When appropriate, integrating supportive therapies alongside standard treatment may help support the healing process.
This article is intended to support understanding and awareness of wound healing and does not replace individual clinical assessment or care.
It usually means something is getting in the way of the natural healing process.
I hope you feel inspired. Look after your body, and it will keep you healthy.
Catherine
CWD 20 March 2026/Ireland
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Catherine W. Dunne, MSc.D., RGN (GPN), is an experienced General Practice Nurse based in Ireland, with over 37 years of clinical experience, including more than three decades in Irish primary care.
She has a strong clinical background in chronic disease management and wound care, with a particular interest in community-based treatment approaches. Her early nursing training in Germany included exposure to both conventional and complementary wound-care practices, shaping her integrative clinical perspective.
In addition to her nursing work, Dr Dunne is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy, where she provides education in integrative health approaches.
Her work focuses on bridging evidence-based medicine with practical, patient-centred care in modern clinical practice.
Holistic Healthcare Wexford 