Does alcohol slow wound healing?

Yes, excess alcohol will delay wound healing, so keep drinking in moderation. There’s no set definition of “excess” or a set limit.

Yes. Alcohol consumption should always be in moderation, because drinking too much will delay the wound healing process.

Excess alcohol use is one of the factors that impede healing, alongside diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage, infection, immobility, poor nutrition and smoking.

There’s no set definition of “excess” here, and no set limit, number of units, or period of not drinking.

There is one practical reason to raise it with whoever is treating the wound, even if you would rather not. It is important to tell the healthcare professionals managing your wound about any medication you are taking. Alcohol interacts with a number of medicines, and that interaction is part of the same conversation.

A well-balanced diet goes along with this. It is essential for keeping your skin healthy and helping the wound heal.

What to watch for

Alcohol consumption should always be in moderation. Drinking too much will delay wound healing.

There’s no set definition of what counts as excess. If you want a limit that applies to you, the person treating the wound is the one to ask.

Tell the healthcare professionals managing your wound about any medication you are taking.

Wound Wizard is general education and can’t assess your wound or your situation. Your own clinician is the right person to ask about your wound.

What we look at

  • Asking about alcohol as part of the wound assessment
  • Checking for interactions with medicines you take
  • Identifying everything that may be slowing healing
  • Offering support where that is wanted

Sources

  1. Wound Q&A for patients and relatives — European Wound Management Association https://ewma.org/resources-for-patients-private-carers/wound-qa-for-patients-and-relatives/
  2. Wound care centers — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000739.htm