Overview

Wounds or ulcers that fail to demonstrate any signs of healing within the typical timeframe, which generally spans 4 to 6 weeks, are classified as chronic or non-healing. Non-healing wounds or ulcers are open sores that fail to go through the normal stages of healing within the expected timeframe. They often occur due to poor blood circulation, diabetes, infections, or pressure on the affected area. These wounds are commonly found on the feet, legs, or pressure-prone areas of the body. Factors like poor nutrition, weakened immunity, and underlying chronic diseases can delay the healing. Non-healing ulcers may become infected, leading to pain, swelling, foul-smelling discharge, or fever.

Causes

Poor Circulation:  Conditions such as peripheral artery disease and diabetes can lead to inadequate blood flow, resulting in a diminished supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, which can impede healing and increase the risk of ulcers.

Infections - The presence of infections in the body can significantly complicate medical conditions, as they can lead to tissue damage and delay the healing process. Common types of infections that may arise include bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

Pressure Ulcers - Also known as bedsores or pressure sores, these injuries occur when there is prolonged pressure on the skin, often affecting individuals with limited mobility. They are particularly common in areas where bones are close to the skin, such as heels, elbows, and the tailbone.

Venous Insufficiency - This condition occurs when the veins fail to effectively return blood from the extremities back to the heart. As a result, blood pools in the legs, leading to swelling, varicose veins, and an increased risk of developing ulcers.

Nutritional Deficiencies - A lack of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, can impair the body’s ability to heal. For instance, deficiencies in vitamin C, zinc, and protein can slow down tissue repair and increase susceptibility to infections.

Immunosuppression -   This refers to a weakened immune system, which can be caused by certain medical treatments (like chemotherapy), chronic diseases, or medications. Individuals with immunosuppression are more vulnerable to infections and may experience slower recovery from wounds and other medical conditions.

Symptoms

Persistent open sore  

• Presence of pain or tenderness  

• Redness or swelling in the vicinity of the wound  

• Foul-smelling discharge  

• Absence of signs of healing, such as the formation of new tissue  

• Fever in the event of infection 

Ayurvedic View

Vruna -due to three dosha aggravation which settles in the body, there is gatra avachurnana(structural deformity in the affected area), namely,twak(skin), sira (blood vessels),mamsa(muscle tissue),medas(fat layer),asthi(bone),snayu(ligaments), marma( in vital organs),koshtashraya(in visceras-abdomen), and results in ulcer with various kinds of discharge, smell, and other symptoms based on predominant dosha affliction. The Ulcer can also be due to external factors like such as vadha(stab), fall, injury by fangs, nail, etc. Ayurveda's way of approach is to bring dosha back to prakruta awastha(balance state), reduce the symptoms by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and heal the vruna without scar mark by following shashti upakramas(wound -ulcer management)