Condition guide · Wound care
Caring for a chronic wound at home
A wound that hasn't healed in a few weeks — a pressure sore, a diabetic foot ulcer, or a slow surgical wound — needs steady, consistent care to close. The right dressings and a reliable routine are what make the difference.
Educational overview drawn from public health sources (e.g., NIH, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality).Educational information, not medical advice — talk with your physician about what's right for you.
What makes a wound 'chronic'?
A wound is considered chronic when it hasn't healed in the expected time — usually around four weeks or more. The common types have different causes but similar care needs:
- Pressure injuries (bedsores) from prolonged pressure on the skin
- Diabetic foot ulcers linked to neuropathy and poor circulation
- Venous leg ulcers from poor blood return in the legs
- Surgical wounds that are slow to close
How wounds heal
Healing moves through overlapping phases — cleaning, rebuilding tissue, and closing. Modern wound care follows the idea of "moist wound healing": a wound bed kept at the right moisture level (not dried out, not soaked) tends to heal faster than one left to form a hard scab.
The role of dressings
Dressings do several jobs at once — protect the wound, manage drainage (exudate), and hold in the right amount of moisture. The type and change schedule are matched to the wound, and following that plan closely is most of the work.
Daily care basics
- Keep the wound and surrounding skin clean per your care plan.
- Change dressings on the schedule you were given — not too often, not too rarely.
- Watch for infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, odor, or drainage.
When to see a provider
Signs of infection, a wound that's getting larger instead of smaller, new pain, or a fever all warrant prompt attention. Chronic wounds heal best with a provider guiding the plan alongside your home care.
Need wound-care supplies delivered? Check your Medicare coverage.
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Common questions
Does Medicare cover wound care supplies?+
Yes — Medicare Part B covers medically necessary surgical dressings for qualifying wounds under the surgical-dressing benefit. See our coverage page for what qualifies, or check your eligibility below.
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