Pharmacists Help Treat Chronic and Acute Wounds

As the health care community observes the tenth annual Wound Healing Awareness Month this June, attention is turning to a silent epidemic that affects approximately 6.5 million Americans. With annual treatment costs for chronic wounds exceeding $25 billion, health organizations are emphasizing that 80% of these wounds are preventable through timely intervention. This awareness initiative highlights the need for certified specialists and accessible health care providers to address the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases and comorbidities that impede the body's natural healing process.^1,2

“One of the things I love about the community pharmacy is that patients often come to us first before anything unexpected happens,” Nadia Maqbool Ahmad, PharmD, District Engagement Lead Pharmacist at Walgreens, said.³ “It might be a parent whose child fell during a baseball game and got a scrape on their knee, or a gardener who has cut their hand while working in the yard, or someone who burned their finger while cooking. These are everyday situations, but they are also moments where pharmacists can make a meaningful clinical impact.”

Community pharmacists are increasingly recognized as frontline players in this effort, often serving as the first point of contact for patients managing both acute and chronic injuries. Although wound care might seem like a simple matter of changing a bandage, it involves a complex process of supporting tissue as it heals while avoiding infection and irritation. Pharmacies provide a bridge between clinical appointments, helping patients choose appropriate supplies and navigate the day-to-day challenges of home care.^2,4

The distinction between acute and chronic care is a primary focus for pharmacists, as all chronic wounds begin as acute injuries. Acute wounds, such as minor cuts, abrasions, or surgical incisions, typically progress through normal healing stages within 4 to 6 weeks. However, when underlying factors like diabetes or poor circulation interfere, these wounds can become stuck in a phase of healing, transitioning into a chronic state. Pharmacists are well-positioned to intervene early, providing the necessary guidance to prevent this progression and reduce the overall public health burden.^2,5

Despite their accessibility, recent research suggests there are significant knowledge gaps within the pharmacy profession that must be addressed to optimize patient outcomes. A cross-sectional survey found that although pharmacists generally possess strong pathophysiological knowledge, they often struggle with clinical applications, particularly in the selection and application of modern dressings like hydrocolloids, foams, and alginates. Only a small fraction of pharmacy staff surveyed could correctly identify all dressing types and their specific clinical properties, suggesting a need for more targeted, evidence-based education.²

Understanding wound classification is another essential technical skill for the modern pharmacist. The surgical wound classification system, for instance, categorizes wounds into 4 classes based on bacterial load, ranging from class 1 clean wounds to class 4 dirty or infected wounds. Accurately identifying these categories helps predict the likelihood of surgical site infections and postoperative complications, allowing pharmacists to provide better-tailored advice on monitoring for red flags such as spreading redness, foul odor, or fever.⁶

Pharmacists also play a role in managing high-risk cases, such as diabetic foot ulcers, which develop in roughly 15% of people with diabetes. Because nerve damage can prevent patients from feeling an injury, pharmacists can assist by providing practical guidance on daily foot inspections and recommending protective footwear or skin care products. Early intervention in these cases is a medical necessity, as unmanaged diabetic wounds can quickly lead to severe infection and amputation.^4,5

Looking forward, the role of the pharmacist is poised to expand even further as scope of practice pilots explore the feasibility of pharmacists performing wound cleansing, closure, and the administration of local anesthetics. As Wound Healing Awareness Month continues to empower specialists and educate the public, the pharmacy remains a cornerstone of accessible, patient-centered wound management. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, pharmacists can ensure that the mission to find, treat, and heal remains a reality for millions of patients.^1,2,4

“Overall, the pharmacist role in community setting is critical because we help triage; we help patient understand whether they should seek care, when they should seek care at urgent care or the [emergency room] or should a prompt visit to see their primary care provider,” Maqbool Ahmad said.³ “Wound care counseling may seem simple, but it reflects a very important clinical skills. In my belief, it's involved in rapid assessment, patient education, and appropriate referral, and those small interactions build trust and can sometimes prevent complications.”

REFERENCES

1. ABWM Foundation. June is Wound Healing Awareness Month!. Accessed June 17, 2026. https://wham-abwmfoundation.org/

2. Cheung DHK, Schneider CR, Collins JC, Um IS. Wound Care Knowledge of Community Pharmacists and Pharmacy Staff: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Int Wound J. 2025;22(9):e70766. doi:10.1111/iwj.70766

3. Gallagher A, Maqbool Ahmad N. Community Pharmacists Guide Patients Through Everyday Wound Care. Drug Topics. April 13, 2026. Accessed June 17, 2026. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/community-pharmacists-guide-patients-through-everyday-wound-care

4. Citizen Pharmacy. How Pharmacies Support Patients with Wound Care Management. April 14, 2026. Accessed June 17, 2026. https://citizenpharmacy.com/blog/how-pharmacies-support-patients-with-wound-care-management/

5. Healogics. Exploring Different Wound Types: A Comprehensive Guide. Accessed June 17, 2026. https://www.healogics.com/wound-care-patient-information/wound-types-guide/

6. Herman TF, Popowicz P, Bordoni B. Wound Classification. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554456/