Most of us have experienced minor cuts, scrapes, or burns that heal quickly with basic first aid. But some wounds are more complex, persistent, or severe. In those cases, professional care is essential. A wound care specialist is a medical expert trained in the treatment of chronic, non-healing, or complicated wounds . Knowing when to seek their help for wound care in Athens, GA can make a huge difference in preventing infection, speeding up healing, and protecting your overall health. What Does a Wound Care Specialist Do? Wound care specialists assess, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of wounds that are not healing properly on their own. They use specialized tools, therapies, and techniques to promote tissue repair, manage infection, and improve blood flow. Their goal is to treat the underlying cause of the wound, not just the surface damage. Common types of wounds they treat include: Diabetic foot ulcers Pressure ulcers (bedsores) Venous or arterial ulcers Surgical wounds that won’t heal Traumatic injuries (e.g., deep cuts, crush injuries) Burns Radiation sores (dermatitis) Infected wounds So, when should you consider seeing one? 1. A Wound Isn’t Healing in 2–3 Weeks Most healthy wounds show signs of healing like scabbing or shrinking within a few days, and they generally close within two to three weeks. If a wound is still open, oozing, or not improving after this period, it’s time to see a specialist. Chronic wounds can worsen if ignored, especially if there are underlying conditions like diabetes or poor circulation. 2. Signs of Infection Are Present If a wound becomes red, swollen, warm to the touch, or starts producing pus or foul-smelling discharge, it may be infected. Fever, chills, or spreading redness (cellulitis ) are even more serious warning signs. Infections can become dangerous quickly and may lead to hospitalization if not treated properly. A wound care specialist can clean and debride the wound (remove dead or infected tissue), prescribe antibiotics, and develop a targeted treatment plan to stop the infection in its tracks. 3. You Have a Chronic Health Condition That Affects Healing Certain medical conditions can significantly impair your body’s ability to heal. If you have diabetes, vascular disease, autoimmune disorders, or have undergone cancer treatment, your wounds may require specialized care. For example, diabetic patients are at higher risk of developing foot ulcers due to poor circulation and nerve damage. These ulcers can lead to serious complications, including amputation, if not treated early and effectively. That’s why we offer vascular testing . 4. There’s Dead Tissue or Necrosis If a wound contains black, gray, or yellow tissue that looks leathery or crusty, it could be a sign of necrosis —dead tissue that needs to be removed. A wound care specialist can determine the extent of the damage and perform surgical or non-surgical debridement to promote healthy tissue growth. 5. You’re Post-Surgery and Healing Poorly Surgical wounds that open up, remain swollen, or begin to drain pus may need specialized attention. Wound care specialists can evaluate whether the issue is related to infection, tension on the sutures, or underlying medical issues. 6. You’re in Significant Pain or the Wound Is Getting Worse Pain that increases over time rather than decreasing or a wound that’s growing in size instead of shrinking are red flags. These symptoms could point to an infection, a vascular problem, or another complication requiring expert care. Schedule an Appointment for your Wound Care at Cure Podiatry & Wound Care Not all wounds need the attention of a specialist, but when a wound doesn’t heal, gets infected, or causes serious pain, it’s not something to ignore. Seeing a wound care specialist early can prevent complications, reduce scarring, and speed up recovery. Whether you're dealing with a diabetic ulcer, a post-surgical complication, or an injury that just won’t heal, our professionals can guide you toward the safest, most effective treatment options for long-term healing and better health. Cure Podiatry & Wound Care provides quality podiatric care in a family-friendly setting. We pride ourselves in not only diagnosing and treating your wound, but also educating our patients. Dr. Mahzoon , an ABPM Board Certified Podiatrist with extensive experience in wound care, also provides excellent foot and ankle care. We will work closely with your primary care doctor, vascular, infectious disease, and other specialists to formulate the best course of treatment. If you are in need of wound care, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Cure Podiatry & Wound Care 1135 Prince Ave Athens, GA 30606 706-405-7773 https://www.curepodiatry.com/