What impact does chronic steroid use have on wound healing?

Chronic steroid use significantly interferes with several critical processes involved in wound healing, particularly inflammation and angiogenesis. Corticosteroids are known to inhibit the inflammatory response, which is essential for the repair process following injury. Inflammation is the body's initial response to injury, allowing for the recruitment of cells that are necessary for tissue repair, such as macrophages and neutrophils. These cells facilitate the clearance of debris and the initiation of the healing process.

Additionally, steroids can hinder angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which is vital for delivering necessary nutrients and oxygen to the healing tissue. Without adequate blood supply, the metabolism of cells involved in the healing process is compromised, further delaying recovery.

These actions together result in a reduction in the overall effectiveness of wound healing, leading to slower recovery times and a higher likelihood of complications such as infection or dehiscence. The correct understanding of how chronic steroid use disrupts these fundamental healing processes is crucial in managing patients who may require long-term steroid therapy.