Skin is a sensitive part of the body. However, if skin is damaged due to a wound or other reasons, and the wound heals slowly or recurs, it is known as a chronic wound. There are many reasons for chronic wounds, such as skin cancers, trauma, burns, infection, and other underlying medical issues like diabetes. Some scars that do not heal easily require specialized care.
If you are experiencing severe skin damage, this article will be beneficial to you. Here we will explain general medical care by a doctor and discuss some self-care tips.
Common Treatment Options for Wound Healing
The doctor provides treatment according to your age, health, and the nature of your wound. General medical care includes:
- Clean the Wound
Wound cleaning is essential to remove dirt and debris from the wound. This should be done very gently to prevent wound damage.
- Artificial Skin Graft
An artificial skin graft is a material used to aid wound healing by serving as a temporary scaffold for new tissue to develop. This treatment is used for deep wounds, severe burns, or large areas of skin loss when traditional grafting methods are not effective.
- Tetanus Vaccination
Tetanus vaccination is also an effective treatment that may be recommended for tetanus-prone wounds. This vaccination reduces the risks of infection, reduces disease severity, and provides long-term protection.
- Exploring Wound Surgically
Some wounds are so deep that they need surgery to heal. A local anesthetic is given before the examination. After surgery, large wounds are closed with stitches or staples.
- Dressing the Wound
The doctor selected the dressing based on the type and severity of the wound. However, if the wound is chronic, the doctor recommends a moist dressing.
- Relieving Pain with Medications
Pain can slow down the healing process. If your wound is causing discomfort, your doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or prescribe stronger pain-killing medication.
- Treating Infections with Antibiotics
If you are suffering from an infection, the signs include pain, pus, and fever. In this condition, please inform your doctor, who will prescribe antibiotics and antimicrobial dressings if necessary.
Some other medications also interfere with the body’s healing process, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids, interfere with the body’s healing process.
Practical Tips for Self-care During the the Wound Healing Process
With medical treatment, a doctor can provide you with some self-care suggestions for slow-healing wounds, such as:
- Avoid taking drugs if possible because they interfere with the body’s natural healing process and slow it down.
- Ensure you maintain a healthy diet, as your body requires nutritious food to support the healing process.
- Add vitamin C-rich food to your diet, as vitamin C makes collagen, which is essential for the skin healing process. Ensure you eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily, which are essential for wound healing, including those rich in vitamin A, copper, and zinc.
- Wounds heal faster if it is kept warm; therefore, keep your wound dressed. When changing dressings, be quick, as exposing a wound to the open air may slow healing for a few hours.
- Avoid using antiseptic creams, washes, or sprays on your wounds, especially when the wound is chronic.
- Have regular exercise
- Manage any chronic illness such as diabetes.
- Do not smoke.
