The human body’s natural healing processes typically come into action whenever you get a cut, scrape, or minor injury. A wound leaves the internal tissues exposed to the external environment. There are a few things you should do to promote the healing process and lessen the chances of infection and speed up your wound healing and recovery.

A minor wound can be treated at home, however, if there is a severe injury that includes excessive bleeding or broken bones then seek immediate medical help.

Dive into this article to learn about ways to heal a cut and simple tips to promote the wound-healing process.

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Do Wounds Heal Faster Covered or Uncovered?

Well, wounds do not need air to heal, they need moisture. And letting your wound uncovered can often dry wounds and slow down the healing process.

The ideal way to heal a cut is to make sure it gets the needed moisture. Using creams or ointment and keeping the wound covered with adhesive bandages can help to heal the cut well. This process helps in caring for a cut and supports regenerating new skin cells and protecting the wound from dirt and lowering the risk of infection.

Also Read: 5 Must-to Add Supplements To Combat Inflammation - Infographic

What Are Healing Stages of a Wound

Generally, there are four primary stages of wound healing, which include:

Haemostasis (Impeding Bleeding)

Any wound whether it’s a cut or surgical wound, you’ll begin to bleed. Generally, the blood would start to clot within a few minutes. Clotting is a normal mechanism where blood cells start to clump together to safeguard the wound and avert further blood loss. These clots eventually dry out and form a scab.

Inflammation

As the wound gets clotted and closed, the blood vessels can open to let fresh oxygen into the region. White blood vessels will also flow to the area to avert infection and support the repairing process. At this time, you may observe inflammation or clear fluid draining from the wound. Inflammation is a natural process, from increased blood flow to the region, while the clear fluid is typically a sign that the injury is cleaning itself.

Growth and Rebuilding

In this stage, the body will begin to repair itself. Red blood cells with high oxygen levels will flow to the injury site to assist make new tissues. The body will begin to produce more collagen around the injury, which aids knit skin back together. Further, you may observe a red scar that begins to develop.

Strengthening

You may observe some stretching, itching or puckering around the wound as it approaches the end of the healing process. And about three months after an injury, new skin would be as firm as it was before. However, the complete healing process can take up to two years depending on the extent of the injury.

Wound Care Basics:

Taking proper care of an injury is possibly the fastest way to heal a cut. And stocking the right first-aid kit at home, you can shield your cuts or surgical wounds from infection and make the proper environment to promote the body’s natural healing process.

Steps To Follow To Help The Wound Heal Faster:

Clean The Cut/ Scrape

The appropriate way for treating a wound is to clean it thoroughly. Otherwise, dirt and debris would accumulate at the injury site, slowing down the healing process or stopping it.

Flush and clean the affected region well with a mild soap, water, or antiseptic wash. Using an antiseptic wash helps to temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort while eliminating germs. Then allow the region to dry.

Also Read: 8 Golden Rules Of First Aid

Treat The Wound With A Topical Antibiotic

Infected cuts and scrapes heal very slowly than those maintained clean and infection-free. There are several topical over-the-counter antibiotic ointments available that would readily help to treat the infection and offer relief from pain, itching and scarring.

Cover The Cut Or Scrape

Dress or cover the affected region with an appropriate bandage and keep it covered until the wound is wholly healed. This allows the initiation of a moist environment favourable for healing and helps in protecting the wound from dirt and harmful pathogens.

Change Your Bandage Often

It is best to remove and reapply a fresh bandage regularly. Never forget to change the bandage if you observe the wound becoming wet with blood, pus or discharge. This will help to maintain the wound clean and lower the chance of infection.

When To See A Doctor

Well, if your wound is showing signs of deteriorating or becoming chronic, never delay in getting proper medical attention.

Signs to watch out include:

The wound fails to heal or heals very slowly or returns.

The wounded region is swollen, hot, and painful.

The wound smells bad or produces thick, yellowish discharge.