Smoking has a big impact on how well and how quickly your body can heal a wound. Smokers are twice as likely to have wound healing problems compared to non-smokers.

Even one cigarette a day can slow healing because smoking reduces the oxygen in your blood and narrows your blood vessels, meaning your wound gets less blood flow.

Smoking also weakens your immune system, which raises the risk of infection in the wound. In other words, there is no bandage or medication that can cancel out these effects – quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to help your wound heal.

The benefits of quitting start fast: within a few weeks of being smoke-free, your circulation improves and your wound healing speeds up ! We know quitting isn’t easy, but there are many resources to help, and every step toward quitting makes a difference for your health.

Tips to Quit Smoking:

• Make a quit plan: Write down your personal reasons for quitting (for example, “heal my foot ulcer,” “avoid future surgery,” or “be there for my family”). Set a target quit date – ideally soon, so you can start healing as quickly as possible . If you have an upcoming surgery or treatment, try to quit before that date.
  
  
• Know your triggers and prepare for them: Think about when you usually smoke (for instance, with morning coffee, during stress, or when driving). Plan ahead for alternatives – like chewing sugar-free gum after meals, taking a short walk during work breaks, or practicing deep-breathing when stressed – so you can cope without a cigarette  . Changing your routine can help break the association.
  
  
• Get support: Quitting is easier with help. Tell friends and family that you’re quitting and ask for their support (for example, ask them not to smoke around you) . Consider joining a stop-smoking program or talking to a counselor; using counseling plus medication (like nicotine patches or prescriptions) can double your chances of success . There are also free resources available – for instance, you can call the National Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW for coaching and support , and smartphone apps like QuitGuide or Smoke Free can keep you on track.
  
  
• Remember the benefits: Keep in mind how quickly your body heals once you quit. Even 2–3 weeks after quitting, your blood flow improves, your infection risk drops, and your wounds begin to heal better . Quitting not only helps your wound now, but also improves your long-term health (you’ll have lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications over time). Every smoke-free day is a victory for your healing.