What is the wound healing process?
While it is never pleasant to cut or injure yourself, remember that nature has designed things well, as the body has all the resources it needs to ‘heal itself’. Normal wound healing takes place in three steps.
Step 1: the inflammatory response
When an injury has just occurred, the body triggers an inflammatory response. The skin around the wound turns red; you may experience a sensation of warmth, pain of varying intensity, or even swelling. Although uncomfortable, this phenomenon occurs for a good reason: to protect the body from external threats and bacteria that could cause an infection. If there is any bleeding, it means that the wound is getting rid of dead cells and any pathogens.
Step 2: regeneration
During this second phase, the deep layers of the skin begin to rebuild. This is where the wound healing process begins, which can then become a little brighter. It owes this new appearance to the production of collagen, which helps maintain the skin’s elasticity and firmness. At the same time, new blood vessels are forming. During this stage, you may experience a tingling, itching or tight sensation, which is a sign that the wound is healing.
Step 3: maturation
Once the deeper layers have regenerated, it is the turn of the skin’s outermost layer (the epidermis) to regenerate. The wound becomes drier and new tissue can be seen forming from the outside. Initially pale pink, the skin finally regains its original colour and appearance. In the case of a deep wound, a scar may appear and remain visible as its colour is different from that of the surrounding skin.
How to promote wound healing
To optimise the healing of your wound and prevent it from becoming infected, it is important not only to follow a series of steps but also to use appropriate techniques and products.
Wash your hands thoroughly
To avoid transferring germs and bacteria to your wound, start by washing your hands with lukewarm water and liquid soap for at least 30 seconds. Then air dry or wipe dry with a clean towel.
Clean the wound
When you injure yourself, your body causes bleeding to flush out any bacteria and dirt that might cause the wound to become infected. Start by rinsing the skin under a gentle stream of water at room temperature to remove any excess blood and any debris, for example if there has been a fall.
Disinfect the skin
This step is essential for the wound to heal properly, as it involves removing any bacteria to prevent infection. Disinfection also helps to minimise the risk of new micro-organisms developing on the wound.
Protect the wound
Once your wound has been disinfected, it is important to protect it to prevent pathogens from entering and causing an infection. Use a dressing appropriate for the location and size of the wound. URGO Honey healing dressings consist of a Hydro-Honey dressing which promotes wound healing, absorbs exudate and reduces friction.
To promote rapid wound healing, there are also URGO Hydrocolloid pad dressings - rapid healing. This dressing is waterproof, allowing daily washing. It is ergonomic and ultra-thin, and relieves pressure and friction. Its hydrocolloid pad absorbs wound exudate, forming a moist, skin-regenerating white gel, which creates conditions conducive to the healing process. Its shape adapts perfectly to your fingers or knees
To promote burn healing, we recommend URGO Superficial burns and wounds – Sterile dressing. The lipid-colloid technology contained in the gauze promotes the healing of burn wounds by combining hydrocolloid particles and petroleum jelly.
To find out more, take a look at our range of protective dressings.
Allow your wound time to heal
Usually, the body takes several weeks for the skin to return to its normal state after a skin injury. This healing time can vary depending on several factors:
- The type of wound, its size, its depth and the area of the body affected
- Skin type (thin or thick, delicate or resilient)
- Smoking, which affects skin and immune system function
- Exposure to the sun, which can cause the scar to change colour
- A chronic condition or infection
- Diet
Throughout the process, adjust your lifestyle to take these factors into account as much as possible. And to ensure that your wound heals in the best possible conditions, make sure you change your dressing by carefully following the instructions for use (duration, precautions, etc.) detailed on the labels and leaflets of the dressings, to maintain a healthy environment around the wound.
Support the healing process through your diet
The way you put your meals together can also help to promote wound healing. For this, make sure you consume the nutrients that help maintain healthy skin:
- Vitamin A in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach
- Vitamin B2 in egg white, parsley and maple syrup
- Vitamin B3 in tuna, cereals and turkey
- Vitamin B8 in egg yolks, soya and mushrooms
- Vitamin C in peppers, citrus fruits and red berries
- Iodine in seaweed and seafood
- Zinc in beef, crab and sesame seeds
You can treat superficial wounds, cuts, grazes and first-degree burns yourself. If your symptoms persist, see your doctor.
URGO Honey Healing Dressings. This medical device is a regulated health product, which according to legislation, carries CE marking. Indication: Treatment of first- and second-degree burns and superficial wounds, whether exuding or not. Read the leaflet before use. Theo Manufacturing B .V . Distributor: Laboratoires URGO Healthcare – 21300 CHENÔVE - RCS DIJON 798 251 559 - Share capital €56 280 458. 07/2024
URGO Hydrocolloid Pad Dressing – Indications: prevention and treatment of blisters, corn pain relief, for covering cuts and superficial wounds (e.g. dermabrasion). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice and read the instructions on the label before use. This medical device is a regulated health product, which according to legislation, carries CE marking. Laboratoires URGO Healthcare – 21300 CHENÔVE - RCS DIJON 798 251 559 - Share capital €56 280 458. 07/2024
URGO BURNS, SUPERFICIAL WOUNDS sterile dressing. Indications: Treatment of second degree superficial burns from domestic accidents and superficial wounds such as grazes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice and read the leaflet carefully before use. This medical device is a regulated health product, which according to legislation, carries CE marking. Laboratoires URGO Healthcare – 21300 CHENÔVE - RCS DIJON 798 251 559 - Share capital €56 280 458. 07/2024