A new study has found that humans’ wounds heal significantly more slowly than those of other mammals, raising intriguing questions about our biology and evolutionary trade-offs. The research, recently profiled by The New York Times, has major implications for medicine and health, especially for Thailand’s ageing population and those managing chronic health conditions.
The discovery comes from a comparative investigation into the healing rates of skin wounds in humans versus other mammalian species, using both laboratory models and clinical data. According to the report, researchers found that while most mammals—such as mice, pigs, and dogs—heal wounds within days or weeks, similar injuries in humans often require much longer timeframes. This discrepancy holds true even when accounting for differences in body size, environmental factors, and medical intervention.
Understanding why humans heal more slowly is especially relevant in Thailand, where diabetes, vascular disease, and ageing all contribute to slow-healing wounds and increased risk of infection. Poor wound healing can lead to serious complications, including limb amputation in diabetic patients—a major public health concern in the country (World Health Organization: Diabetes Country Profiles: Thailand).
The newly published research, as summarized in the Times, points to several causes. Evolutionary biologists hypothesize that while rapid wound healing is vital for wild animals facing constant threats, humans’ extended lifespans and unique immune responses may prioritise long-term tissue integrity or cancer suppression over speedy repair. In other mammals, faster healing sometimes comes at the cost of increased scarring or higher cancer risk.
A key researcher quoted by The New York Times explains, “It appears that human tissues are wired for caution—our healing may be slow, but it may also reduce the risk of unwanted cell growth and malignancy later in life.” This evolutionary balancing act highlights potential trade-offs between tissue repair and protection against other diseases, which remain under active investigation.
Experts in Thailand concur that these findings could inform local medicine. According to a senior dermatologist at a leading Bangkok hospital, “Understanding the biological basis for slow wound healing in humans helps us set realistic expectations for patients, and guides us in developing novel therapies tailored for the Thai population.” Thai hospitals are already seeing an increase in patients with chronic wounds due to rising diabetes rates and an ageing society (Ministry of Public Health, Thailand).
Globally and in Thailand, the slow pace of human healing compared to other mammals is further complicated by factors such as poor nutrition, inadequate wound care, and underlying health conditions that are common in older adults. In rural parts of Thailand, limited access to specialised wound care deepens the impact, with cultural practices sometimes affecting treatment seeking and adherence (Bangkok Post: Diabetic Foot Dilemmas).
While historical Thai medicine includes herbal remedies for wounds—such as turmeric and gotu kola, which are still widely used—modern research increasingly turns to biotechnological advances. Scientists are exploring options like growth factor therapies and gene editing to boost the body’s natural healing response. However, translating findings from animal studies to humans has proven difficult, partly due to these newly-discovered differences in biology.
Looking ahead, understanding why humans are “slow healers” could inform public health strategies and inspire novel treatments targeting the underlying causes of poor wound healing. For Thai healthcare professionals, increasing awareness, improving patient education, and integrating new scientific findings into wound management protocols will be key.
Thais living with diabetes, vascular disease, or chronic wounds are encouraged to seek medical care early, maintain good nutrition, and follow culturally appropriate wound care practices—while staying updated on potential therapies arising from new research. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of human healing, careful application of these insights in Thai clinical practice may ultimately lead to better outcomes for millions.
For more technical details, read the full study as reported by The New York Times. Background statistics on wound healing and diabetes in Thailand can be found at the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand.