Not Medical Advice: Hardness around the edges of an open wound means that it is now on its healing stage and the scar tissue begins to form over the affected area.
After about five days into the wound healing process, the tissue re-growth stage begins. It typically lasts around three weeks for minor wounds, and it’s the time when the body repairs broken blood vessels and replaces damaged tissues with healthy new ones.
This new natural material is called granulation tissue, and it will be covered over with a new layer of skin. As the affected area continues to heal, the skin will pull the edges inward and the wound will get smaller.
When you experience a wound on part of your body, it goes through specific wound healing stages. In general, smaller wounds heal more quickly, while large, deep wounds tend to take longer, though the dressings you use, your overall health status and many other factors can play a role in recovery.
Clinicians and researchers may think of the wound healing process in terms of the three phases – inflammatory, proliferation and maturation – but this does little to explain the recognizable physical signs to the patient. Review these physical signs of healing to make sure your wound is healing in a healthy, timely manner.
Tip! Got a cut? Get expert tips on healing wounds fast at WebMD.