What is a possible consequence of leaving a wound untreated?

Leaving a wound untreated can significantly increase the risk of infection. When a wound is not properly cleaned and protected, bacteria and other pathogens can easily enter the open tissue. This can lead to localized infections, which may not only delay the healing process but can also result in more severe systemic infections if they spread. An untreated wound may also experience complications such as inflammation and the development of pus, worsening the overall condition and requiring more extensive treatment.

Faster healing would be unlikely in an untreated wound because infections and complications typically prolong the healing time. Increased blood flow is usually part of a healthy healing response but can be negatively affected by infection. Similarly, leaving a wound untreated often leads to increased pain due to the inflammation and the body's immune response to infection. Thus, the consequence of untreated wounds that leads to the most significant concerns is the potential for infection, making it the correct choice.