Effective healing of a wound is the primary concern following injury or surgery. Wound healing is a complex process and supporting the natural regeneration process of skin cells is important to minimise or eliminate scarring and to help heal and repair damage.

Wound management begins with ensuring lack of post-trauma infection and the use of the most effective products formulated to help heal and repair damaged skin. Topical support for wound healing is one way to ensure an effective healing process and minimise the risk of scarring. Even mild cuts and abrasions will benefit from the topical agents discussed below.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has two qualities that make it one of the most effective essential oils for use in wound healing. Firstly it is a powerful antimicrobial and antiseptic, active against all infectious organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Secondly, it is a very effective immune stimulant, increasing the body’s ability to respond when in contact with any of the above micro-organisms. Infection impairs all aspects of wound healing and so infection management is a crucial step in wound healing. Redness, pain, fluid drainage or a bad smell emanating from the wounds are all signs of infection. In serious cases, it is essential to see a doctor, however for minor wounds and even acne, the application of tea tree oil will help effectively manage infection.   

In the case of mild infection, liberally apply 100% tea tree oil to the affected area. Further application of tea tree to any bandage may also be applied and then changed every 24 hours.

Calendula

For centuries, calendula has been used to treat many types of skin conditions. A systematic review of the use of calendula in wound treatment concluded that it is still one of the most favourable wound healing agents to date.  The topical application of calendula is excellent for all stages of wound healing. Initially it prevents tissue degeneration and slows bleeding allowing the body to start the wound healing process. In addition, calendula has an antimicrobial effect and helps reduce excessive inflammation which if prolonged can delay wound closure and increase pain. Once wound healing is underway, calendula stimulates the regeneration of tissues, increases wound strength and improves wound contraction. Generally calendula is applied to the open wound as a cream.

Antibacterial honey

Of significant note in recent wound management techniques is the use of medical grade antibacterial honey, particularly for chronic and poorly healing wounds such as ulcers. Not all types of honey are effective for wound healing and the differences related to the floral source. Manuka honey from New Zealand along with honey from the Leptospermum tree found in Australia, are considered the most effective medical honeys. Similarly to calendula antibacterial honey is beneficial for wound healing because it has such a broad range of therapeutic effects. It offers wound protection by proving a physical barrier to antibiotic resistant strains of microorganisms thereby preventing cross infection. It promotes clean wounds by removing necrotic (dead) tissue and debris. Finally it promotes wound healing by maintaining a moist wound environment and encouraging tissue granulation.  Medical honeys are available in typical honey form which is ideal for oral use or incorporated into creams or lotions and even bandages for easier application to external wounds.

Nutritional & Dietary support for wound healing

Our nutritional status has an impact on wound healing, influencing the rate of healing and the quality of tissue repair. Two vitally important nutrients for wound repair are vitamin C and zinc. Both nutrients support the production of collagen during the repair process and in addition vitamin C supports the network of blood supply to the healing wound. During wound healing additional nutritional support over and above dietary intake may be required.

In a study of patients with chronic ulcers researchers found that those more likely to experience slow healing had low levels of vitamin C and zinc but also vitamin A and carotenes. Vitamin A is found in dairy foods and carotenes can be readily sourced from orange and green vegetables. Adequate protein is also essential for wound healing to provide the amino acids necessary to create new collagen. Good sources of protein include red meat, chicken, fish and legumes. Ensuring your diet is rich in these foods sources will help promote the body’s healing processes. 

Consuming foods high in fat may actually slow wound healing times. Researchers found that high fat foods were linked to higher rates of inflammation, delayed cell repair, reduced collagen production and impaired blood synthesis. In light of this research it is wise to choose low fat, trimmed meat and reduce consumption of cakes, pastries, snack foods and fast food during the healing process.

Good wound management combining topical agents with nutritional support will promote the bodies healing processes and minimise the risk of infection and scarring.  

References:

Leach M. J. 2008. Calendula officinalis and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review

Adriana P. & Andréa M. A. Costa. 2008. Overweight induced by high-fat diet delays rat cutaneous wound healing. British Journal of Nutrition, Volume 96, Number 6,  pp. 1069-1077(9).

Rojas A.I.; Phillips T.J. 1999. Patients with Chronic Leg Ulcers Show Diminished Levels of Vitamins A and E, Carotenes, and Zinc. Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 25, Number 8, pp. 601-604(4).

2001. Phytomedicine, pages 230-235.