Most people have, at some stage in their life, experienced a wound. For the majority, healing is a simple and rapid process and, although the wound may leave a visible scar, it is not associated with persistent pain, excessive exudate, odour or distress. In some patients, healing is prolonged and accompanied by major symptoms, which adversely affects their quality of life. Clinicians therefore face the dual challenge to meet patient expectations of prompt and trouble-free wound healing, and to recognise and act appropriately for those patients in which wound healing may be prolonged.