On what day(s) does the second phase of wound healing occur?

• A. 0-1 days
• B. 1-4 days
• C. 5-7 days
• D. 10-14 days

Answer: (B)

Healing unfolds in sequential stages, and the second stage is the inflammatory phase that follows the immediate clotting response. This inflammatory window typically starts around day one after injury and lasts about four days. During this time neutrophils arrive first to clear bacteria and debris, followed by macrophages that continue cleaning and release signals that set the stage for tissue repair. This cleanup and signaling prepare the wound for the next phase, when new tissue forms (proliferation) and then remodeling occurs later. So the inflammatory second phase falls in the 1-4 day range.