Chronic refractory wounds are a common clinical condition characterized by a prolonged course and frequent pain, which severely affect patients' quality of life and mental health. Conventional treatments such as surgical dressing changes have limited efficacy and often result in extended healing times, posing considerable challenges in clinical management and rehabilitation. Curcumin, with its multiple pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pro-angiogenic, and antibacterial effects, has increasingly become a research focus in the treatment of chronic refractory wounds. This article reviews the mechanisms by which curcumin promotes the healing of chronic refractory wounds, the current status of its clinical application, and the research progress on novel delivery systems. In addition, current challenges and future directions are discussed, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical application of curcumin.