How to heal a wound or incision
There are basic principals of wound healing that can help anyone who has had a cut on their skin heal. Always consult your personal physician for special considerations! its really the chronic ulcers that need special care. For most of us no exotic maggot therapy or enzymatic compounds will be necessary. When you have a C-section, an abdominal surgery, or even a tummy tuck, there are other principals that can help you heal. All the important skin and clean up cells have to be activated in order to heal including cells that produce collagen and elastin as well as the clean up mechanisms after inflammation including platelets and macrophages. There is an ordered sequence where the wound inflames, it heals over with surface cells, it forms new blood vessels to import oxigen and tissue healers, the fiberous component forms and then it matures. So if you are planning a surgery, here are a few tips:
1. Don't smoke, this is such a hard and fast rule some surgeons will not perform elective surgery until you have quit!
2. Keep it clean! Bacteria are washed away by cleaning of any wound. Actually studies comparing saline, to tap water, don't show too much difference in effect.
3. Don't exert too much pressure on the wound. It is possible to disrupt the edges, even with forceful stream of water for irrigation, so be gentle.
4. Be sure to ask before you use antiseptics. Many topical products are potentially irritating or can produce allergic reaction and even lead to slower healing. However, many studies do show iodine based products reduce bacteria and lead to faster healing.
5. Silver barriers can also help, but most basic wounds will heal quickly and well without these.
6. Honey can be helpful, however ask before you just apply the store bought. Honey is now available in medical grade. Hone is antibacterial and it contains some hydrogen peroxide. has been used since ancient times for the management of wounds, especially for burns.
7. Band aids or dressings?Many dressing types are available, including foams, films, creams, gels, etc. Ask your health care provider, in most cases they can be protective and helpful, in others healing can actually be delayed. Always opt for keeping the wound or incision clean if there is an issue!
8. Keep it moist, most studies say that healing is quickest if the wound is kept moist.