How to Heal Skin Wounds
Skin wounds require careful treatment because they are highly susceptible to infection, which can cause further health complications. During the healing process your wound uses tiny blood vessels to repair the skin by creating new capillaries, according to OptiDerma. The three stages of healing include inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling. Common symptoms during these stages include itchiness, scab formation and tightness. In order to speed the healing process you can use topical creams, bandages and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Things You'll Need
- Mild soap
- Antibiotic cream
- Medical bandages
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Mutlivitamin supplements
Instructions
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Clean the wound thoroughly with warm water. Use soap to clean the area around the wound, but do not put soap directly on the wound, as it can cause irritation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cleaning the wound prevents it from developing an infection from debris caught in the wound. Clean the wound twice daily.
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Apply antibiotic cream to the affected area. Over-the-counter antibiotic cream soothes irritation. Creams and ointments help keep the wound moist, which prevents infection and helps the wound heal properly, according to the Mayo Clinic. Apply a thin layer of cream after each wound cleaning and bandage change.
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Keep the wound covered. Bandages keep bacteria out of the wound and should be changed daily. To maintain the bandage, avoid getting it wet. Wrap the bandage so that it is snug over the wound but not tightly wrapped; too much pressure can cause soreness and irritation. Most bandages should be left on 3 to 4 days after being applied, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
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Take medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and inflammation near the wound area. You can purchased them at drug stores without a prescription. According to "The Pain-Free Program," NSAIDs should not be taken for more than seven days, as they can cause liver damage, bleeding, ulcers or kidney damage when used for a long period of time. NSAIDs include aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen and celecoxib.
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Get plenty of protein. Protein is a string of amino acids that repairs tissue, especially skin wounds. Protein can be found in chicken, nuts, beef, beans and dairy products. Avoid fish while the wound is healing, because omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can slow down the healing process, according to OptiDerma.
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Take vitamin supplements. Multivitamin supplements provide nutrients to your body, which helps your immune system repair the wound faster. According to OptiDerma, vitamins A, B, C, E as well as zinc and copper help heal wounds. Take vitamins as directed on the package. Contact your doctor before taking vitamins.
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Tips & Warnings
Honey should not be applied to open wounds, as it contains contaminants. Honey sold commercially is different from honey used to for medical research and wound products, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Contact your physician if your wound becomes painful to the touch, red or swollen, as you may have an infection.
