Ace the Certified Wound Care Associate Exam 2025 – Bandage Skills and Boost Your Career!

Healing by secondary intention occurs when a wound is left open and heals naturally without surgical closure. This process is often seen in larger wounds or those that are infected. In secondary intention healing, the wound fills in from the bottom and sides, resulting in granulation tissue formation, contraction of the wound edges, and epithelialization as the skin regrows over time.

Unlike primary intention healing, where the wound edges are brought together and closed, secondary intention allows the body to heal on its own, which may be a natural choice depending on the size, location, or condition of the wound. This method generally takes a longer time and may lead to a more noticeable scar due to the granulation tissue that forms as part of the healing process.

The other types mentioned, such as primary intention, involve direct closure of the wound with sutures or staples; delayed primary intention refers to a situation where a wound is initially left open but closed surgically after a few days; and tertiary intention involves a situation where a wound is kept open for a period and then closed later. Each of these strategies requires some form of surgical intervention or closure, distinguishing them from the natural healing process seen in secondary intention.