This article discusses the many extrinsic and intrinsic factors which can affect wound healing and stresses the importance of nurses being aware of these factors to promote fast and effective wound healing

A delicate physiological balance must be maintained during the process of wound healing to ensure the regeneration of damaged tissue. Wounds may fail to heal or healing time may be greatly increased when unfavourable conditions are allowed to persist. The factors which affect wound healing can be broadly categorised into extrinsic and intrinsic factors.