How many times have you faced a minor burn while cooking or scraped knees during an outdoor activity? The answer would probably be “too many”! For any minor injury that impacts the skin, such as a cut or scratch or burn, you don’t have to rush to the hospital. It’s true that such injuries can disrupt your busy life and make things slow. But if you or someone in your family has suffered a minor injury, you would want to know how to heal wounds fast at home.
Tips to heal wounds faster
Wounds will not heal by magic, but you can stick to some of these principles to help in wound healing.
1. Focus on protein intake
Protein is not just for people with weight loss goals. They are known to be the building blocks of life for a reason. You need to consume proteins every day so that your body gets enough macronutrients to build strong tissues, says Dr Nidhi Khandelwal, Consultant, General Surgery, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre Mumbai. So, your protein-rich diet can consist of chicken, eggs, green leafy vegetables, tofu and beans.
2. Don’t skip fruits
Fruits are a great source of micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins. These ensure that all your body processes run smoothly. Seasonal fruits are usually a good choice, since they provide all the essential nutrients required at the time. Apart from that, fruits such as apples, papayas and citrus fruits work well.
3. Drink plenty of water
Water is the most essential component, so don’t wait to drink it only when you are thirsty. Stay well hydrated, especially when it’s hot and humid. This will help to wash out all the unnecessary toxins.
4. De-stress
It is easier said than done, but having a calm mind promotes healing. Do not fret over a non-healing wound, instead focus on staying positive and believing that things will be alright soon.
5. Rest
Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night, and also make sure you go to bed at a reasonable hour. Your body needs to rest to recover and rebuild, which in turn promote wound healing.
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6. Control sugar intake
If you are diabetic, make sure your blood sugar levels are well under control with medications. A high blood sugar increases the chances of infections, which hampers wound healing, the expert tells Health Shots. For non-diabetics too, make sure you limit the intake of sugar in your diet if you want your wound to heal faster.
7. Avoid smoking and drinking
Detrimental habits such as smoking and alcohol intake interfere with wound healing. So, stay away from them to ensure faster wound healing, says Dr Khandelwal.
8. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has vitamins and minerals, and also contains glucomannan. It is a substance that can help with cellular regeneration. This substance is a protein that can help in wound healing. A 2019 study published in the US National Library of Medicine showed that aloe vera might be effective for wound healing of minor burns. All you have to do is apply aloe vera gel to the wound area.
Open wounds can be very tricky to manage. So, apart from following these tips, make sure you keep the area clean and dry. That’s because excessive moisture is basically a hotbed for bacterial infections. Keep a regular lookout for any fluid discharge, yellow or green discolouration or sudden bleeding. As far as possible, keep the wound covered to reduce environmental exposure.
But you should take medical help if you have broken bones, too much bleeding, pus discharge or fever. Also, if the wound isn’t healing for more than a week, it is wiser to visit a doctor.
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