How to Promote Wound Healing

What you do after you sustain a wound, both immediately afterwards and during the days following the accident, can help promote quick healing of the wound, decrease the risk of sustaining complications from the injury and reduce the amount of scarring. Treating a wound properly and following a healthy diet gives your body the help it needs to heal your wound.

Applying Pressure

• Immediately applying pressure to the wound will start the healing process. If you have latex gloves, apply pressure with your hands while wearing the gloves. However, if you do not have gloves, wrap the wound in a clean cotton towel or a piece of plastic and apply pressure with your hand. If none of these items are available, use your bare hands as a last resort, making sure to wash them if possible. Remove any clothing or jewelry from the wounded area, and apply pressure for 15 minutes, elevating the wound if possible. If the wound is still bleeding moderately or profusely after 15 minutes, medical attention is needed; if the bleeding is greatly reduced, the wound probably does not need stitches.

  An indication that you need stitches is if you can pull both sides of the wound together to see a dramatic improvement. Stitches tend to have the best results, promote the quickest healing and leave the slightest scar possible, if a doctor applies them no later than six to eight hours after the injury.

Cleaning the Wound

• Before cleaning the wound, wash your hands thoroughly and use latex gloves if possible. Tweezers can remove much of the rocks, dirt or debris in the wound. Afterwards, run tepid water over the wound and wash it with a mild soap. You may need to scrub the wound with a cloth. Repeat the process if dirt remains. If it still remains, seek medical attention to prevent infection. Cleaning dirt from the wound will promote healing by reducing the risk of infection, and allowing the body to start the healing process. If your wound is severe enough to warrant medical attention, you do not need to clean the wound yourself.

Dressing the Wound

• Adding an antibiotic ointment will expedite the healing process, though some ointments may cause a rash to develop in those with sensitive skin. When applying ointment, a light layer suffices. Use a bandage to cover the wound; a butterfly bandage is preferable if the wound is small enough for the bandage to cover both edges. Place the butterfly bandage across the wound, not lengthwise, to bring the two portions of skin together.

Aftercare

• In the days following your injury, your body needs proper nutrition as it rebuilds itself. Those recovering from wounds need increased calories, protein, vitamins A and C and occasionally zinc, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Protein helps the body during the inflammatory process as it heals and promotes the quality and the speed of healing. Vitamin C assists in collagen synthesis, while vitamin B-complexes help release the energy from carbohydrates to repair your body. Supplements are only necessary for those with major deficiencies; most people should be able to fulfill their nutrient requirements with a healthful, well-balanced diet.

  Change the bandages after they become soiled or wet to avoid infection, applying a light layer of ointment when you do. If the bandage is stuck on your scab, soak the area in water to loosen it. You can stop the bandaging process after the wound has healed to the point that it will not become irritated or allow dirt to enter the body.