Which characteristic indicates a chronic wound?

A chronic wound is typically defined by its persistent duration, often lasting longer than three months. This prolonged duration is a hallmark of chronic wounds, as they may not progress through the normal healing stages due to various factors, such as underlying health issues, inadequate blood supply, or ongoing trauma.

Chronic wounds often fail to heal within the expected timeframe, which is usually considered to be about three months. This characteristic distinguishes them from acute wounds, which typically heal more rapidly. Hence, identifying a wound that has persisted for an extended period helps in recognizing it as chronic.

The other characteristics, such as rapid closure, little to no exudate, and complete epithelialization, are more commonly associated with acute wounds that are healing appropriately and timely. In contrast, chronic wounds may exhibit a variety of drainage levels and do not necessarily close efficiently due to their extended duration of existence.