What is a common reason for delayed wound healing?

Infection is a well-known factor that contributes to delayed wound healing. When a wound becomes infected, the body's resources are redirected toward fighting the infection, which can impede the natural healing process. An infection can lead to increased inflammation, the formation of necrotic tissue, and a prolonged presence of inflammatory mediators, all of which are detrimental to wound healing. Additionally, infection can also cause pain and swelling, further complicating recovery and making it difficult for the body to repair the damaged tissue effectively.

While other factors like dehydration, excessive mobility, and anxiety may influence healing, they are not as direct in their impact as infection. Dehydration can affect overall cellular function and nutrition, but its effect is often secondary to more immediate issues like infection. Excessive mobility can stress a wound site and potentially lead to complications, but it does not directly cause infection. Anxiety might influence a patient’s overall physiological state, but it does not have the same direct effect on wound healing as infection does. Thus, infection stands out as the most common and significant reason for delayed healing.