Which phase of wound healing lasts 3-5 days?

The phase of wound healing that lasts 3-5 days is the inflammatory phase. During this initial phase, the body responds to tissue injury by initiating a complex biological response. This phase is characterized by the classic signs of inflammation: redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function at the injury site.

During this period, various immune cells, particularly neutrophils and macrophages, migrate to the wound site. Neutrophils help to eliminate any pathogens while macrophages have a dual role, clearing debris and signaling the transition to the next phase of healing. The inflammatory phase is crucial as it sets the stage for healing by preventing infection and preparing the tissue for subsequent repair.

Other phases, such as the maturation phase, granulation phase, and proliferative phase, occur at later stages and are not limited to the 3-5 day timeline characteristic of the inflammatory phase. The granulation phase, for instance, involves the formation of new tissue and can last longer, while the maturation phase can extend over weeks to months as the wound strengthens and remodels. Thus, the inflammatory phase's key role and specific duration make it a distinct and vital part of the overall wound healing process.