How to Tell If a Wound Is Healing Well or Needs a Doctor's Review

Signs of healthy healing

A healing wound typically shows gradually reducing size, pink or light red tissue (not angry red), minimal or no discharge, and reducing pain over days, not a sudden jump in any of these.

Signs that warrant a closer look

• The wound stays the same size or grows over several days
• Discharge increases, changes colour, or develops an odour
• Pain increases rather than gradually easing
• The skin around the wound becomes increasingly red, warm, or swollen
• Fever develops alongside any wound changes

Keeping a simple healing log

Noting the wound's size, appearance and any discharge at each dressing change — even a quick phone photo with the date — makes it much easier to spot a genuine change versus day-to-day variation.

When in doubt, ask

If you're unsure whether what you're seeing is normal, it's always reasonable to check with the treating doctor rather than wait and see. Wound complications are far easier to manage when caught early.

How RUSHIVA can help

Our trained staff monitor wounds at every dressing visit and flag any concerns to keep your doctor informed. Send us an enquiry below to arrange regular wound care support.