Diabetics commonly experience nerve damage in the feet, resulting in the loss of sensation in the feet, and increasing the risk of foot damage. Due to lack of sensation, sores on the feet may go unnoticed.

Also known as bedsores, pressure ulcers are skin wounds when sustained pressure cuts off circulation to parts of the body. Particularly at risk are the buttucks, hips and heels.

Arterial ulcers are formed when small, narrow or damaged arteries decrease blood supply. Arteries are vital blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart and supply the body with oxygen and nutrients.

When blood flow in the legs is reduced, blood can pool in the leg veins and form venous ulcers.

An injury caused by anything other than the body's own systems, such as a fall or accident, is a traumatic injury. When a wound has been open for more than four weeks, it is best to seek medical attention from wound experts.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that can spread to the tissues beneath the skin. While cellulitis may occur anywhere on the body, the leg is the most common site of infection. Signs of cellulitis include redness, warmth, swelling and pain.

When a surgical wound doesn't heal within three to four weeks following a procedure, it may due to underlying problems such as diabetes, poor nutritional status, compromised immunity or infection. Please discuss this with your surgeon and request to see a wound care specialist.

Any other wound that has not healed in one month should be seen by a wound healing professional.