Simple Basics of Wound Healing

4, Apr 2022 | WoundCare

A wound is any damage or break in the skin such as cuts, scrapes, puncture wounds and pressure sores.

After a wound occurs, there are several stages of wound healing:

  1. Blood begins to clot, and a scab (protective layer) begins to form.
  2. White blood cells help to ward off infection and begin to repair the damaged tissue and any broken blood vessels.
  3. Red blood cells create collagen to form a base for new tissue to grow in the wound.
  4. New skin forms over this tissue, and as the edges pull inward, the wound gets smaller.
  5. A scar forms, strengthening the area over the wound.

So how do you aid wound healing?

To boost natural healing, cleaning the wound is the first priority.

Wash out the wound with water, holding it under the tap and wash the area with gentle soap then pat dry.

Small cuts and scrapes can be left uncovered, but moisture is usually needed to help speed up the healing process.

Apply a natural gealing balm or cream such as Primal Herbaria WoundCare and cover with an adhesive bandage any wounds that could become dirty.

Cleanse the wound daily with soap and water and apply fresh WoundCare up to 3 times a day with a fresh bandage.

Most minor cuts and scrapes will heal in a week or less.

Don’t do this to your wounds

Don’t apply topical antibiotics unless prescribed by a doctor for an infection. Studies show antibiotic ointment is often ineffective, especially for non-infected wounds.

Don’t use antiseptics like iodine or hydrogen peroxide on minor wounds. They’re old technology and are actually harmful to the skin and can delay healing.

But some wounds are at a higher risk of infection and may need a topical antibiotic from your doctor.

 When to see your doctor

If you are unsure about a wound, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention.

  • Cuts or punctures from a rusty or dirty object – you may need a tetanus shot
  • For any animal bites that break the skin
  • If the wound is deep (more than 6 or 6 mm, or won’t stop bleeding even after applying pressure to the wound for over 5 minutes
  • Wounds with that can’t be brought together easily with wound dressings – they may require need stitches
  • Where there are signs of infection, such as if the wound is red, warm or painful to touch, surrounded by red streaks, or draining pus.