Ointment for rapid healing of wounds on the face. Ointments and creams for quick healing of wounds in a home medicine cabinet

The most common types of injuries are abrasions and scratches, especially on the knees and elbows. These are superficial skin lesions that are not dangerous to human health. But there is always a risk of dust particles or small foreign elements getting into the wound, so first wash with soap and water, then treat with hydrogen peroxide and after that apply a healing ointment.

Which ointment to choose

The range of products for accelerating tissue regeneration is incredibly large, so it’s difficult to navigate right away. In order to understand which ointment will best help against abrasions and scratches, let’s look at the most popular ones:

Most shallow skin lesions can be treated at home. A deep wound will not heal with ointments. You will need to take a multivitamin complex, which will eliminate the risk of complications. In such cases, you cannot do without qualified medical care.

When to go to the doctor:

heavy bleeding that cannot be stopped for a long time;
the appearance of pus and a feeling of warmth in the injured area;
it is not possible to remove or wash a foreign object from the wound;
redness and severe swelling of the edges of the injury;
Increased body temperature.

And scars can be avoided

There are two stages of wound healing: wet and dry. And knowing what drugs need to be used in each of them, it is possible to avoid scars. Clean and moisturize wet wounds, but never try to pick off dried crusts. We conclude that it makes sense to use wound-healing ointments during the dry stage. Two weeks after the injury, has everything healed? You're lucky - there won't be a scar. And if not, then Solcoseryl will help. In principle, they are allowed to treat the wound immediately after it appears until it has completely healed. Didn't start doing it right away? It's not too late to try this during the scarring stage.

Any damage to the skin causes the risk of infections getting through it. Tetanus poses the greatest danger to the human body. If help is not provided in a timely manner, then with 90% certainty there is only one outcome - death. Regular vaccination will be a preventative measure. It is carried out three times at five-year intervals. Didn't make the plan? This means that as an ambulance, you will receive a special subcutaneous dose of anti-tetanus immunoglobulin. But you can find out more about this from your doctor. The main thing is not to miss the moment and see a doctor on time.

Minor cuts, burns, abrasions and scratches do not require hospital treatment under the supervision of a doctor, but they also cannot be ignored. Using a suitable ointment for wound healing, you can heal them correctly and safely. There are a great variety of such products sold in pharmacies, and in order to know which ones to use in which situations, you need to understand their properties and effects.

Indications for the use of healing medications

Ointments for healing wounds on the skin have been used for a long time. Most of them perform several functions at once: they kill germs and bacteria, create a protective film, and promote tissue regeneration. Depending on the depth of the cut or burn, healing can take varying amounts of time, from several days to several weeks. The medicinal cream helps speed up this process and eliminate any remaining traces of the wound.

Ointment for healing wounds and cracks is used for the following injuries:

open cuts and scratches;
cracks caused by dry skin;
some skin diseases;
minor burns;
small ulcerative lesions.

It is important to understand in which cases self-treatment is acceptable and when it is necessary to see a doctor. Wound healing cream should be used wisely and should not be used for serious injuries. To avoid complications and infection, a sterile bandage is required after application.

Types of healing agents

Despite the fact that any antibacterial ointment for wounds is used to disinfect, dry, protect and accelerate the regeneration process after injury, they differ in their composition and the basic principle of action. Therefore, before buying any product at the pharmacy, you need to understand their features and differences. Healing medications are:

based on zinc or silver - for additional disinfection;
drying – usually used for application to open skin lesions;
with antibiotics in the composition - used to treat bedsores or for patients with diabetes;
for healing purulent wounds - they are able to stop the inflammatory and purulent process, preventing further development of infection;
for treatment after operations.

In addition, such drugs are sold in the form of various forms: ointment, cream, gel, paste emulsion. Choosing the right option is not so easy, so before going to the pharmacy, you need to know exactly what drug you should buy.

Damage to the skin and mucous membranes must be treated with medicinal compounds, because this prevents infections from entering the body and accelerates regeneration. Ointment for wound healing can have both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Many drugs are also used as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, regenerating agents.

What are wound healing ointments

When buying ointments for wound healing, it is important to consider their classification. The agents are selected depending on the etiology (cause) and phase of the wound process. If the wound is deep, you will need an antibacterial drug with an analgesic effect. The damage is inflamed - you will need an antiseptic and antimicrobial ointment. When the wound process is at the last stage, a skin regeneration agent is needed.

In composition they differ in:

Antimicrobials, antibiotics.
Enzyme preparations based on amino acids, protease, chymotrypsin and others. Used in combination with other gels and ointments.
Medicines with plant extracts: with aloe juice, kalanchoe, sea buckthorn oil, calendula, propolis. Relieves inflammation and restores skin.

Pharmacy drugs

Before applying the product, you need to wash the wound and treat scratches with hydrogen peroxide. ARGOSULFAN® cream helps speed up the healing of small wounds. The combination of the antibacterial component silver sulfathiazole and silver ions provides a wide range of antibacterial effects of the cream. The drug can be applied not only to wounds located on open areas of the body, but also under bandages. The product has not only a wound-healing, but also an antimicrobial effect, and in addition, promotes wound healing without a rough scar.

For open wounds

The open wound begins to be treated with ointments when the tissues dry. The products are applied in a thin layer. Use ointments to heal wounds:

Postoperative sutures

Sutures are removed 7-14 days after surgery, treated with an antiseptic. Removal can occur gradually: a few days before the stitches are completely removed, they are removed one after another. It is important to treat seams daily; use Levomekol (this bactericidal ointment is almost universal), Dioxyzol, and Bepanten-Cream, a drug based on descpanthenol. Baneocin gives a good effect.

Burns

The choice of remedy depends on the degree of the burn. If it is mild (grade 1 or 2), local anesthetics and regenerating drugs are used. For more severe lesions, with blisters and blisters, use antimicrobial ointment for burns - Fusiderm, Fuzimet. Actovegin ointment helps restore tissue after a burn, including chemical burns.

abrasions

A popular remedy that is used to smear minor burns and abrasions on adults and children is “Rescuer” balm (or its analogue “Keeper”); it can be used to treat a fresh cut on a finger, after washing off the dirt. In second place is the “maternal ambulance” - “Bepanten”: the drug is safe for newborns, helps with diaper rash, and is also used to relieve the symptoms of childhood skin allergies. The advantages of the product are that it is safe, can be used for a long time even during pregnancy, and lubricate cracked nipples during lactation.

Bedsores

The danger of this condition is poor circulation, the possibility of wound infection and the onset of decay. To avoid such consequences, Solcoseryl/Actovegin is prescribed, at the beginning of treatment 25% gels, and when it gets better, after about 5-10 days they switch to 5% cream. At the final stage, use 5% ointment. Another ointment for bedsores is Algofin, it contains chlorophyll. Silver-based products have performed well – “Sulfargin”, “Agrosulfan”.

Purulent wounds

Fat-based ointments, petrolatum-lanolin, and antibiotic compositions are used to treat purulent wounds. Known drugs:

“Ichthyol ointment” – anesthetizes and has a bactericidal effect. A cotton swab is soaked in the product, applied to the wound, covered with a sterile napkin or parchment, and secured with a bandage or bandage.
Vishnevsky ointment - draws pus from the wound. Used in the form of lotions and compresses.
Syntomycin ointment - contains an antibiotic and is used in the treatment of infected wounds.
Streptocide ointment is effective for purulent scratches, abrasions, and small abscesses. Streptocide draws out pus and disinfects.

In the mouth

Damage to the gums can be cured with the help of dental ointments, such as "Cholisal", "Metragil Denta", "Kalgel" and so on. The drugs are used for stomatitis, gingivitis, and diseases during which wounds form on the gums. These gels have a mild anesthetic effect, often contain lidocaine, work as antiseptics, and eliminate inflammation.

For diabetes

The wounds of diabetics heal poorly, since patients have reduced immunity, and cracks appear in already healed wounds. The damage should be immediately treated with an antiseptic. If the wound does not heal and festers, treatment is carried out with antibiotics: Levosin, Levomekol. When healing tissues, use methyluracil ointment and fat-based products, such as Trofodermin. When choosing a drug for a diabetic, carefully read the instructions for contraindications.

Regenerating agents

At the last stage of wound healing, its epithelization occurs, new tissue matures, and turns into a connective tissue scar. The skin grows, thin, pink. During this phase, it is important to use regenerative products to avoid the formation of rough permanent scars. Regenerating drugs include:

Products based on deskpanthenol (“Bepanten”, “Panthenol”), they soften the skin and accelerate recovery processes.
Sea buckthorn oil is a natural product that promotes skin cell regeneration.
"Actovegin" - in any form.
"Aekol" is a vitamin preparation containing retinol, menadione, betacarotene and vitamin E.
"Methyluracil" - improves tissue trophism and accelerates regeneration. Used for healing wounds in intimate places, in gynecology.
Aloe-based products have an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect, stimulate tissue restoration.

Video: aloe ointment for inflamed wounds

Our skin serves as protection for the body and prevents a lot of different infections. An open wound is always a target for infection, so it is important to keep your skin in excellent healthy condition.

Quite often situations arise when wounds and abrasions occur on the skin; special wound-healing ointments, available in a wide range of pharmacies, can help in such a situation. They have an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect, and also provide a regenerative function for abrasions that occur on the skin.

In this article, we will try to identify the best and most budget-friendly ointments for quickly getting rid of various damage to the skin, be it abrasions and scratches, or deep purulent wounds, and try to answer the question - which ointment is best to use in which specific cases?

The best ointment for wounds and cuts, according to pharmacists, is Solcoseryl. This drug contains calf blood dialysate, which ensures maximum wound regeneration. It is characteristic that this substance does not cause allergic reactions, therefore Solcoseryl, given its wide spectrum of action, is recommended not only for cuts and cracks, but also for healing open wounds.

Due to the fact that the ointment, thanks to its unique composition, prevents the appearance of the so-called “wet wound effect” due to the release of liquid onto the surface of damaged skin, it is recommended to use it for healing a purulent wound, as well as for the appearance of bedsores. Of the disadvantages of this drug, only one can be identified, and it is again associated with the composition of the product.

Despite the fact that calf blood dialysate, before mixing it with the bulk of the ointment, undergoes a special treatment that cleanses this component from impurities that may be allergens, pharmacists say that the dialysate is a product of natural origin and therefore extremely In rare cases, it can still cause an allergic reaction in a certain category of people prone to this disease.

Eplan can be used to heal wounds on the face and even treat damaged lips. This product contains panthenol, which copes well with burns, cuts and skin damage from chemicals. Panthenol helps the wound heal, while having an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing pain and swelling in the affected area.

In general, Eplan, in addition to healing, has an analgesic and disinfectant effect. It can be used primarily in case of minor abrasions, or the occurrence of sores not associated with external effects on the skin, such as boils or pimples. In addition, this ointment is perfect for facial skin, and even for healing wounds and cracks on the lips.

Eplan ointment also works well for insect bites, allergies and inflammation of the skin, burns, frostbite and even psoriasis. The indisputable advantage of this drug is that it can be used during pregnancy and lactation. The obvious disadvantages of this antiseptic include the poor absorption of the ointment, as well as the fact that it dries the skin excessively.

It is difficult to overestimate the role of various ointments for those with diabetes. The fact is that in the presence of this disease, a thorough and daily examination of the legs is necessary, because with diabetes, a person’s blood circulation is impaired, as a result of the formation of microcracks in the leg, ulcers can appear, which, if ignored, will lead to gangrene and amputation of the limbs.

For reference! One of the best effective remedies for this disease are creams and ointments that contain urea.

For example, Diaultradem can be used to moisturize dry skin of the feet and during massage to improve blood circulation. The use of this product accelerates wound healing, prevents the appearance of cracks and reduces pain in the foot. It is characteristic that there are no side effects or disadvantages when using Diultradem, since it was developed specifically for patients with diabetes, and accordingly, all the difficulties that could arise when using it are taken into account.

The best antibiotic ointments

In the postoperative period, for the treatment of sutures, it is also important to choose the right ointment that will maximize the rapid healing of the skin, as well as protect against suppuration and inflammation, which often occurs due to infection on the wound. According to experts, after surgery it is better to use several ointments in combination, since their action can complement each other, having a beneficial effect on the sutures.

To treat seams, you can use Solcoseryl, which we have already indicated above, but there is also its budget analogue - Actovegin, which also contains calf’s blood. Actovegin is available in the form of a gel and ointment. And if the gel is recommended to be used to treat deep wounds, then the ointment is mainly used for wounds that are already healing.

One of the main disadvantages of this drug is that the drug is strictly prohibited for use during pregnancy and lactation. In addition, before using the drug, consultation with a doctor is necessary, because the composition of Actovegin can provoke allergic reactions.

Probably one of the most popular remedies for the treatment of wounds and cuts is the antibiotic ointment Levomekol, which is quite often used both in the postoperative period and for the treatment of purulent wounds. The ointment, thanks to the antibiotic contained in the composition, prevents suppuration. Also, one of the advantages of Levomekol is its availability and budget, but, nevertheless, there are certain risk factors that need to be taken into account when using the ointment:

With prolonged use of the ointment, excessive accumulation of the antibiotic on the skin and under the skin may occur, which can cause intoxication.
Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from using the drug even in the most microscopic doses.
The drug can cause allergies, skin rashes and even swelling of the skin, in which case treatment with Levomekol is strictly canceled.

Popular remedies for the treatment of wounds and cuts include preparations that contain silver ions. Thus, ointment with silver Dermazin perfectly dries and disinfects deep cuts and burns, thanks to the silver sulfadiazine included in the composition.

The effect of silver is as follows: its microparticles penetrate the DNA of dangerous bacteria and stop their growth and reproduction. Side effects of Dermazin are associated with the possible appearance of itching and a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, so the use of this drug for children is contraindicated.

However, there is another silver-based product recommended for both adults and children. Argosulfan is recommended by leading pediatricians for children from two months and is completely safe. The ointment has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect and does not contain contraindications.

The best ointments for wounds on the mucous membrane

The mouth, nose and eyes need constant attention to avoid the entry of harmful bacteria. Of course, we don’t always succeed in this and sometimes the infection wins, but if you use special ointments, many problems can be avoided.

For reference! For the human body, the mucous membranes are extremely vulnerable to all kinds of infections and damage upon contact with the external environment.

A completely ordinary runny nose can lead to serious health problems, so most mothers know the best ointment that protects against attacks of viral infections and, of course, recommend it for use not only for children, but also for adults. We are talking about Oksolin, which is applied inside the nasal passages several times a day, because its use is completely safe and the only drawback can be that it is sold out extremely quickly in pharmacies during the cold season.

Another common disease is herpes, which appears on the lips due to weakened immunity, as a result of taking antibiotics, or even from hypothermia. For this problem, it is important to choose the right remedy, because if the ointment gets on the lips, it can get into the mouth, and if the product is used without a doctor’s prescription, poisoning can occur.

A safe product to use is Viferon, which, having a bactericidal effect, also stimulates the immune system. A positive aspect of treatment with this remedy is that it has no side effects and can be used even by newborns.

Nystatin ointment is also recommended for the treatment of the oral cavity. The use of this ointment for stomatitis, firstly, is accessible, since the ointment is relatively inexpensive, and secondly, it is suitable for treating wounds in the mouth due to the fact that the substances included in its composition are excellent and in a short time (from 2 to 5 days) cope with the pathogens of the disease, penetrating the cells of harmful bacteria. However, when using nystatin ointment, you should remember that you need to carefully follow the dosage, using only a very small amount to apply to the wound with a cotton swab. Otherwise, an overdose of the drug may occur.

Using ointments based on folk remedies

You may be surprised, but our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, unable to purchase ointment at the pharmacy, made the ointment themselves. The basis for it was lard, which was heated in a water bath and then various compositions of herbs, berries, honey or beeswax were added to it.

For example, for tumors and redness, as well as for bruises, the following ointment was prepared: 100 grams of lard, 100 grams of butter, a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of string and celandine, mixed and put in a water bath. The ointment will be ready in half an hour, it is filtered, cooled and it is completely ready for use. The only drawback of this ointment is that the product is stored for a very short time, due to the natural ingredients it contains.

Every person in the course of daily activities receives minor cuts, cracks, abrasions, minor burns or other superficial wounds of the skin. These small wounds are often very annoying, without being serious enough injuries to warrant a visit to the doctor. Typically, these changes are not dangerous, but can cause great discomfort. This is why it is very important to speed up the healing process. So how can you heal a wound quickly?

Acute and chronic wounds

Wounds are divided into acute and chronic. Acute ones occur after cuts or operations. These wounds heal quickly (2-7 days) and, if properly cared for, are not a serious problem. Chronic wounds, those that do not heal within a week, even despite maintaining hygiene. In this situation, it becomes necessary not only to treat wounds, but, above all, to find the reasons for this. Wounds that do not heal may indicate a serious illness in the body.

Chronic wounds more often affect older people. There may be several reasons. Worse tissue regeneration, the inability of the elderly to treat a wound, serious illnesses, for example, wounds that are difficult to treat in diabetes (persistently elevated blood sugar levels lead to damage to the arteries, a process that ends in injuries and even amputation of the foot) or venous insufficiency, where wounds are the result nutritional disorders of leg tissues.
A wound that does not heal within two weeks should be cause for concern. Especially when there are additional symptoms - redness, swelling or pain - that indicate infection or inflammation. You should then immediately go to the doctor to determine the cause. The earlier treatment is carried out, the greater the chance for rapid healing.

1. Formation of wounds

In order to understand what are the possibilities for accelerating the process and what substances can affect the healing process, it is worth referring to the individual stages of the process. Damage to the skin triggers an inflammatory response, which leads to the accumulation of fluid on the surface, which contains, among other things, growth factors, and whose main function is to stimulate the proliferation and migration of immune cells to the wound area. These substances work best in a moist environment, and drying an open wound will significantly prolong the healing process. Under the influence of the above factors, epithelial cells and intact hair follicles grow to cover the site of injury and lead to the formation of new epithelium covering the wound. In this case, the wound heals without scars.

2. Stages of wound healing

As we can see, the healing process is complex and involves many of our body's defense and regeneration mechanisms.

First of all, proper cleansing of the wound is very important for the healing process. The skin should be cleansed under running cold water or an inert liquid such as saline. The use of substances containing alcohol, iodine to clean damaged skin is not advisable, and the use of such compositions can further irritate the skin and cause large wounds. In addition, such opening of the wound causes drying, which delays the regeneration process of the epidermis and makes it an easy target for microbes. To speed up the healing process, keeping the wound surface moist is important. This environment delays crust formation. After cleaning the wound, it is worth applying a substance that provides a moist environment in the area of damaged skin.

Several types of bacteria always live on human skin, which usually do not pose a danger to the body, but when the skin is damaged, there is a risk of infection. In addition, in the case of wounds, abrasions and burns, we are exposed to a number of bacteria in the external environment. That is why the drug applied to the wound surface must have antibacterial properties.

3. Accelerate wound healing

A good choice for these minor skin lesions is a combination product that comes in the form of an ointment for topical application to the skin. The dosage form provides sufficient moisture to the wound so that the healing process continues as quickly as possible. It is desirable that such a composition has a composition of active substances with antibacterial activity. The influence of antibiotics reduces the risk of the emergence of resistant strains.

Stages of healing

Wounds, scratches, cuts happen every day. To make it easier to understand first aid in such cases, you should know the four stages of treatment:

1. Inflammation

The body's immediate defense response to any injury is to dilate blood vessels to speed up the transport of blood to the injured tissue - the blood vessels become more permeable, allowing fluids and white blood cells (leukocytes) to be transferred from the blood to the tissues. Increased blood flow causes unpleasant but transient symptoms:

- increase in tissue temperature due to increased blood circulation;
- redness due to vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels);
- swelling caused by exudation of blood to the tissues;
- pain due to increased tension and excess fluid in the tissues.

2. Thrombus

After being wounded, for at least 10 minutes, depending on the extent of the injury, the body forms a clot (thrombus) that connects the edges of the wound to prevent excessive blood loss.

3. Removal of dead tissue.

White blood cells begin the process of absorbing microorganisms, dead cells and foreign substances, after cleaning the wound area. The damaged cells then release chemicals to stimulate blood flow and attract more white blood cells to the site of damage. Dead white blood cells containing excess microorganisms and decomposition products are partially removed through the lymphatic system and partially form purulent discharge.

4. Wound healing.

In the following days, general tissue and epithelium grow to replace the damaged skin surface. In case of extensive injuries, a scar forms over the entire surface of the wound. The immune system and white blood cells play another important role - they produce antibodies that help the body fight infection. Therefore, the healing process proceeds smoothly if the patient's general health is good. A weakened immune system significantly reduces the body's ability to fight infections and impairs wound healing. Fever, which occurs with extensive injuries from infection, is part of a protective mechanism - it helps fight infection (increased body temperature does not encourage the growth of harmful microorganisms) and speeds up the healing process (fever increases the flow of blood and nutrients to the area of injury).

First aid

- Stop bleeding

A bleeding wound requires immediate application of direct pressure. Place a piece of clean material that absorbs moisture, such as gauze bandages, towels or a napkin, over the wound site and press firmly. If possible, the victim himself should clamp the wound, because he knows better with what force to do this. In general, pressure stops bleeding within 1-2 minutes. If blood leaks out, apply another layer of material and continue applying pressure. It is safe to apply a sterile compress to open wounds. Very heavy bleeding can be quickly controlled by using a hemostatic agent.

– Reduced pressure in damaged blood vessels

Wound treatment should be done as soon as possible to prevent infection and skin trauma. The entire area around the injury site is washed with soap and water, hydrogen peroxide, antiseptic or water. This reduces the number of bacteria, foreign objects and dead tissue fragments that threaten the wound. The wound (wound surface) should be carefully washed with water and gauze or a cotton swab 2 times a day, from the wound outward, to avoid infection by skin bacteria. Then apply the patch and leave it overnight. The patch should only be applied when the wound is wet.

— Wound dressings

Exposure to air causes crusting to form, which slows down the process of growing new cells. Therefore, a sterile bandage with plastic or gauze coated with Vaseline is applied to the wound. This prevents the wound from drying out and allows a small amount of air to flow in. Cell regeneration is faster in moist tissues.
After the bleeding stops, wrap the wound with an elastic bandage in the right direction - the blood should flow freely. The bandage must be controlled; it should not interfere with blood circulation.

Ways to accelerate wound healing

In modern restorative medicine, hygiene without the use of chemicals is preferred. The method of maintaining hygiene affects the rate of healing of all skin lesions. Chemical cleaning of the wound with products (soaps, gels, shampoos, etc.) can irritate the wound and delay the healing process, but cleaning is necessary to prevent the development of secondary infection.
Therefore, the original solution is to maintain daily hygiene using the natural air-water sterilizing effect. Thanks to this, the healing process proceeds without interference, is enhanced and occurs much faster. In addition, microbubbles perform a unique micro-massage that stimulates blood flow within the wound. For these reasons, consistent use of microbubbles in daily hygiene significantly reduces the appearance of scars.
Japanese water nanotechnology experts have developed and patented home generators of medicinal bubbles in the form of shower heads and systems, bath faucets.

Traditional medicine for healing

Herbal infusions and oils can be added to the bath to further enhance the therapeutic effect.

Wound healing herbs.
The compress is soaked in a cooled and strained herbal solution and then applied to the wound. Recommended tinctures: nettle, sage, yarrow and St. John's wort.
Ointment for wounds.
The best are ointments containing broad-spectrum antibiotics, for example, Fenistil or Bipanten. People using antibacterial ointments show 30% faster healing and less scarring. Popular ointments containing preservatives can cause allergies - redness and itching around the wound, which can cause a secondary infection. Preparations containing components are the best alternative for topical wound treatment with pharmaceuticals. Recommended: green clay, honey, echinacea, arnica, calendula and oregano ointments, broom oil, coconut oil, argan oil and essential oils to support wound healing:

rosemary oil;
bergamot essential oil;
patchouli oil;
rose oil;
geranium oil

Allantoin facilitates the separation of necrotic tissue and wound cleansing, stimulates the epidermal mucous membranes and skin. Hyaluronic acid as a skin component plays a key role in all stages of wound healing: it accelerates wound scarring and clot formation (at least 3 times faster). Promotes epidermis renewal. Hyaluronate containing preparations are recommended as a supplement for the healing of all types of wounds.

You should contact a DOCTOR in the following cases::

- the blood from the wound is pulsating and its color is light red - this may be due to damage to the artery;
- it is not possible to remove all foreign bodies from the wound;
- injury to a place where there should not be a scar, for example, the face;
— there is pus around the wound or redness at the edges of the wound wider than a finger;
- a large wound in which the bottom is visible - it needs to be stitched up!
- the wound is deep and can cause damage to blood vessels, nerves, tendons, ligaments and/or muscles (for example, puncture wounds.)
- wound caused by a bullet - gunshot wound;
- any wound on the head, serious wounds to the abdomen and chest;
- the injury does not begin to heal within 24 hours;
- Anti-tetanus injections are needed. A large surface of the wound and its contamination with earth, objects that were in the ground, and dust are indications for the administration of anti-tetanus serum. If you don't remember the last time you received a vaccine dose, be sure to see a doctor on the day of your injury!

If the wound does not heal - reasons

It is true that chronic wounds are difficult to heal, especially in older people. However, problems with the wound are often associated with non-compliance with the rules of behavior - the wrong choice of hygiene, medication or neglect of them. Very often, therapeutic measures are aimed only at the wound, and not at removing the cause. And this is a mistake! Wound healing depends primarily on the underlying disease.

The most common mistakes that prevent wounds from healing are changing dressings too often.

The rule is this: the dressing should be changed as often as necessary and as little as possible. In the case of chronic wounds, it is changed once a week, and in case of copious discharge from the wound - every 2-3 days. Frequent changes damage new, soft tissue and destroy reparative processes.

The second mistake is pouring disinfectant liquids into the wound (for example, hydrogen peroxide or salicylic alcohol, as well as iodine).

Wounds are also not treated with antibiotics. These disinfectants and antibiotics cause damage to healthy cells and slow wound healing.

The safest wound environment is normal saline and medications that prevent the entry of pathogens and infections from outside without damaging the wound environment. Vaseline or zinc-based ointment also cannot be classified as a good solution. They are used only to protect the skin around the wound.

1. Wounds are washed with saline, 0.9% or Ringer's solution. You should not use disinfectants - alcohol, iodine or hydrogen peroxide, because they destroy the newly formed, very delicate skin and granulation tissues that are newly formed.
2. Avoid frequent and excessive application of ointments, creams and gels to the wound (without consulting a doctor).
3. The wound should be kept in a moist environment, thanks to modern dressings. They do not stick to the wound surface and therefore do not cause tissue damage or pain.
4. The skin around the wound is nourished with preparations with a slightly acidic pH, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.
5. The wound should not have any contact with clothing and the dressing should be placed so as to prevent contamination.
6. Depending on the stage of healing, the doctor indicates the frequency of changing the dressings, preferably once a week.

Preparations for rapid wound healing

There are hundreds of different types of drugs. They can be divided into the following types:

hydrogels (for example Intrasitegel, aquagel) - capable of absorbing exudate, maintaining high humidity, and also having cleansing properties, which leads to hydration of necrotic tissues;
hydrocolloids (for example Granuflex, Tegasorb), which are in the form of layered plates and upon contact with exudate form a gel, which occurs during the granulation process;
dextromers (for example, Acudex, Debrisan) - dressing materials consisting of polysaccharide grains that form a gel upon contact with wound exudate; used to treat large, deep and infected bedsores;
alginates dressings (for example, Kaltrostat, Tegagel.) - Dressings, natural polysaccharides obtained from seaweed with very high absorbent properties;
semi-permeable polyurethane film (for example, Opsite, Tegaderm.) - Capable of ensuring free evaporation of wound exudate from the surface, but not permeable to water and bacteria from the outside.

How to speed up wound healing?

1. Medicines applied locally

The classic patch or bandage has now been replaced by so-called hydrocolloid dressings. Preparations of this type Fenistil for wounds. Hydrocolloid acid creates optimal conditions for wound healing. Provides sufficient moisture to dry wounds, absorbs excess exudate from the wound, and protects against external factors. As a result, the dressing hydrocolloid accelerates tissue repair and reduces scar formation. Such a dressing can be applied to the wound surface, such as minor abrasions, cuts and wounds - bedsores. They should not, however, be applied to purulent wounds. The drugs are applied directly to the wound. In addition, you can apply a regular bandage or plaster on top.

To speed up the healing of serious wounds, Solcoseryl is prescribed in the form of a gel on a wet wound and Solcoseryl ointment on a dry wound and Curiosin gel. The drugs are applied to the cleaned wound 2 times a day. The active ingredient of Solcoseryl is dialysate from the blood of calves, which facilitates access of oxygen and nutrients to the cells inside the wound. In Curiosin, the active component is zinc hyaluronate, which ensures adequate hydration and an appropriate response of inflammatory cells.

For slow-healing, purulent wounds, medications can be used to speed up cleaning. Ichthyol ointment has an anti-inflammatory effect, slightly astringent. It can be used for boils, 2-3 times a day. Medicines may temporarily irritate the skin.

The new skin that forms must be properly hydrated and nourished from the outside. It is necessary to use ointments or moisturizing creams with allantoin (Alantan), dexpanthenol (Bephanten, Dermopanten), vitamin ointments. The creams are safe and can be used several times a day for adults and children.

2. Diet and nutritional supplements to speed up healing

For large cuts, surgical wounds, it is important to supplement the amount of vitamin C in the body. It participates, together with the amino acids lysine and proline, in the formation of collagen, which is a kind of scaffolding for cells. The body cannot synthesize vitamin C and lysine, so it must be obtained through diet. Lysine-rich foods include hard cheeses, legumes, fish, and meat. Take vitamin C supplements with a high content - 1 g, preferably of natural origin.

Before operations, as well as to promote skin regeneration, it is worth enriching your diet with omega-3 preparations, taking flaxseed oil, B vitamins, especially vitamin B5, vitamin A and E.

What can you eat to speed up healing?

Carnosine.
One thing to keep in mind is that the wound healing process is supported by carnosine. Typically, the main source of carnosine is beef and pork. If, however, for various reasons, the patient cannot eat meat, drugs containing carnosine must be taken. Carnosine is thought to aid in the healing of bedsores (and prevent the formation of new bedsores), but it actually helps in the healing of all wounds. Colostrum, or the first milk that is produced after childbirth, is a unique immune support system. Colostrum accelerates the healing of all types of wounds.