How to heal wounds fast?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by MSc Vu Van Quan - Department of General Surgery & Anesthesia, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital. The doctor has more than 10 years of experience working in the field of General Gastroenterology.

1. How many stages does the wound healing process go through?

The normal wound healing process will go through 3 main stages:
Stage 1: The phase of resisting the penetration of bacteria into the wound. Stage 2: Formation of granulation tissue to fill the wound. Stage 3: Epidermal regeneration stage, this is the final stage for the wound to heal completely.

2. Factors affecting the process of wound healing and scarring

Nature of the wound: For example, a small or large wound, a shallow wound or a deep wound. In fact, shallow wounds usually heal more easily and are less likely to leave scars than deep wounds. The extent of the injury is also an important factor affecting the healing process. In fact, wounds that are heavily bruised are more susceptible to infection than wounds that are less bruised, severe wounds can fester, take longer to heal, and are more likely to leave behind. bad scars. Wound treatment method: Correct and timely initial treatment is a very important factor contributing to faster wound healing, avoiding wound infection and prolonged festering.

3. Factors that contribute to slowing down the healing process

Insufficient diet/drink or lack of variety leads to protein deficiency, deficiency of vitamins, selenium, zinc and essential minerals. This is a modifiable factor that has a positive impact on the patient's wound healing process. Elderly people often have a slower healing process than younger people. The age factor is considered an immutable factor. People with diabetes. People who are being treated with immunosuppressive drugs - Corticosteroids People who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer ...

4. What to do for fast wound healing?

Reducing stress - Stress Many studies have shown that stress can slow wound healing in patients after surgery, even stress can cause patients to stay in the hospital longer. Try ways to relax, unwind, and exercise to manage stress and help your wound heal faster.
Enhance vitamin C Absorption of ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, will help wounds heal faster. Vegetables rich in Vitamin C such as bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, lemon juice and oranges... should be added to the diet of people with unhealed wounds.
Aloe - Aloe Vera If the patient only has a slight burn, after touching a hot object or getting a fire burn, aloe vera can soothe the wound and relieve pain effectively, and quickly heal superficial burns on the skin surface. .

Honey Honey is a natural remedy, used to treat wounds, burns and skin ulcers. Honey can be used for superficial burns, skin rashes or chafing, eye styes.
Zinc supplements Zinc is an important trace element in the body. Various studies have shown that zinc deficiency can slow wound healing. However, instead of oral zinc supplements, doctors found that applying zinc oxide topically could help wounds heal faster.
High protein diet The body is still recovering from surgery, it is necessary to provide a full protein diet for the wound to heal quickly. Amino acid intake has a great influence on wound healing and immune activity. Aim for about 20 -30g protein per main meal and 10 -15g protein per snack.
Supplementation of vitamin K through the diet Blood clotting is the first important step in the healing process. Among them, thrombin is a key factor promoting blood clotting. Vitamin K along with calcium are substances that help produce thrombin. Therefore, it can be seen that vitamin K plays an effective role for normal blood clotting. Vitamin K can be obtained through food. Sources of vitamin K include dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, broccoli, cabbage, grapes, avocado, kiwi...
Enhance vitamin A for the body Vitamin A stimulates growth collagen synthesis and diversification of fibroblasts, control inflammation. Good sources of vitamin A are from dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, yellow or orange vegetables, dairy products and animal liver.

Increases absorption of iron Similar to vitamin A, iron plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen. People with iron deficiency (typically anemic patients) will lead to restricted blood circulation and increased oxygenation, which slows down wound healing. Therefore, iron supplementation is also one of the ways to help wounds heal faster. Good sources of iron found in grated foods include: beef tenderloin, turmeric, beets, lentils, kidney beans, tofu, asparagus, thyme, leeks, mushrooms, spinach, molasses, broccoli , kelp...
Copper mineral supplements Our bodies produce lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that is essential for the formation of cross-links between collagen and elastin – substances that promote strength and growth elastic for blood vessel walls, bones and joints. The mineral copper is an effective assistant for the enzyme lysyl oxidase in the production of collagen and elastin. Therefore, copper indirectly helps the wound to heal faster. Rich sources of copper minerals from foods include: tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, asparagus, sunflower seeds, green beans, ginger, mustard greens, mint, radishes...

5. Foods to abstain from

Some notions that while the wound is healing or is infected - festering, the patient should not eat shrimp, crab, sea fish, water spinach, beef... due to fear of swelling. more watery and pus-forming.
But in fact, when the wound has not healed or is infected - festering, the patient should only abstain from foods that the patient's body will be allergic to (itching, hives, swelling) hands and feet, swollen eyelids, even difficulty breathing or an asthma attack).
Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in neurological examination and treatment, patients can completely peace of mind for examination and treatment at the Hospital.

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