About Wound Care
The Howard University Hospital Wound Care Clinic provides specialized, comprehensive care for patients with acute and chronic wounds. Our program is designed to support healing, prevent complications, and improve quality of life through a combination of advanced treatments, clinical expertise, and personalized care.
Our multidisciplinary team includes physicians, nurses, and specialists who work together to evaluate each patient’s condition and develop tailored treatment plans. We focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of wounds—such as diabetes, vascular disease, or infection—while using evidence-based therapies to promote faster and more effective healing.
As part of an academic medical center, we integrate the latest research and innovations in wound care with a strong commitment to health equity. We are dedicated to expanding access to specialized services and delivering culturally responsive care that meets the unique needs of the communities we serve.
At Howard University Hospital, our goal is simple: to help every patient heal, prevent complications, and return to a better quality of life.
Why Wound Care is Important
Proper wound care is essential to preventing complications and promoting timely healing. When wounds are not treated early or appropriately, they can lead to serious issues such as infections, delayed healing, hospitalization, and even amputation—especially for patients with underlying conditions like diabetes or poor circulation.
Specialized wound care focuses not only on treating the wound itself but also on addressing the root causes that may be preventing healing. Early intervention, advanced therapies, and consistent monitoring can significantly improve outcomes, reduce pain, and help patients return to their daily activities sooner.
At Howard University Hospital, we believe that access to expert wound care is critical to improving health outcomes, reducing disparities, and ensuring that every patient has the opportunity to heal safely and effectively.
Wound Care Facts
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6.5 million Americans are affected by chronic wounds each year, making wound care a significant public health concern.
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Up to 85% of amputations are preventable with early detection and specialized wound care treatment.
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1 in 4 people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime—a leading cause of hospitalization and amputation.
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Chronic wounds can take weeks to months to heal without proper treatment, significantly impacting quality of life.
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Infections are one of the most common complications, and untreated wounds can quickly become serious or life-threatening.
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Wound-related complications account for billions of dollars in healthcare costs annually in the U.S.
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Patients who receive early, specialized wound care heal faster and have significantly better outcomes than those who delay treatment.
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Health disparities play a major role, with underserved communities experiencing higher rates of chronic wounds and amputations due to limited access to care.
Commitment to Health Equity
The Howard University Hospital Wound Care Clinic is deeply committed to advancing health equity in Washington, DC, where chronic conditions and limited access to specialty care contribute to higher rates of non-healing wounds and preventable amputations—particularly in underserved communities. Our clinic focuses on expanding access to advanced wound care services, promoting early intervention, and delivering culturally responsive, patient-centered care. By addressing the underlying social and medical factors that impact healing, we strive to reduce disparities, improve outcomes, and ensure that every patient has the opportunity to receive timely, high-quality care close to home.
1. What is wound care?
Wound care is specialized medical treatment focused on healing acute and chronic wounds, preventing infection, and reducing complications. It includes advanced therapies, monitoring, and personalized care plans.
2. When should I seek professional wound care?
You should seek care if a wound does not begin to heal within a few days, shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage), or if you have underlying conditions like diabetes or poor circulation.
3. What types of wounds do you treat?
We treat a variety of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries, vascular wounds, surgical wounds, and chronic or non-healing wounds.
4. What are the signs of an infected wound?
Common signs include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, foul odor, drainage, or fever. If you notice these symptoms, seek care promptly.
5. What treatments are in wound care?
Treatments may include wound cleaning, debridement (removal of damaged tissue), advanced dressings, infection management, and therapies such as negative pressure wound therapy or biologic skin substitutes.
6. How long does it take for a wound to heal?
Healing time varies depending on the type of wound, underlying health conditions, and treatment plan. Some wounds may heal in weeks, while chronic wounds may take longer and require ongoing care.
7. Can chronic wounds be prevented?
Yes. Managing underlying conditions, maintaining good hygiene, inspecting your skin regularly, and seeking early treatment can help prevent chronic wounds and complications.
8. Do I need a referral to visit the wound care clinic?
In many cases, a referral may be required depending on your insurance. Please contact our clinic to confirm and schedule an appointment.
Request An Appointment
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out to us by clicking on the link below. We are here to support your wound care needs.