Chronic wounds are those which fail to heal properly over time. The public health impact of chronic wounds is significant, affecting 6.5 million people in the US alone. In particular, the chronic wounds that are a common complication of diabetes are an increasing healthcare burden due to rising incidence rates for obesity and diabetes.

Aspirin is a generally well-tolerated drug that is now widely used to prevent heart attack and stroke. Aspirin works through several pathways to reduce inflammation, fever and to alter platelet activity. The scientific literature suggests that inhibition of enzymes by aspirin may delay normal wound healing. However, its regulation of inflammation may actually help heal chronic wounds.

Some recent studies provide evidence that supports aspirin use in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. In a paper published this month in the journal Wound Repair and Regeneration, a new study focused on the effects aspirin may have on leg ulcer healing, potentially revealing novel modes on action. Though the literature suggests that aspirin treatment may undermine normal healing, it is possible that chronic wounds trapped in an inflammatory state might have improved outcomes with aspirin treatment.