Wound Healing FAQ

What are the phases of wound healing?
How do I change wound dressings?
Are there any vitamins that might help with the healing process?

What are the phases of wound healing?

The following stages are only a rough guideline. Wound healing can vary significantly from person to person. If you have any questions about wound care, consult your medical provider immediately.

Inflammatory Stage: Can last anywhere from 2-5 days. As the name of the phase implies, the area around the wound can swell. Also during this phase platelets begin to clot at the wound site.
Proliferate Stage: Lasts anywhere from 2 days to weeks. The wound begins to contract and fibroblast cells create a layer of collagen that is the precursor to scar tissue.
Remodeling Stage: The length of time varies greatly, it can be anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 years. During this stage more collagen is formed and the resulting scar tissue is 80% the strength of the original.

How do I change wound dressings?

Change the previous dressing. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and put on gloves. If there is hair present around or under the wound dressing, lift the dressing in the same direction as the hair grows. If the dressing sticks to the skin, try a moistened paper towel or adhesive remover. There are numerous types of dressing, including absorbers, Alginate, Collagen, composite, foam, Hydrocolloid, Hydrogels, Silicone Gel Sheets, Silver, and odor control. Consult your physician for the right dressing for your wound.

Clean the wound. Your physician or caregiver will show you how to clean your wound and what type of cleanser to use. Consider putting a towel underneath the wound to catch any drainage.

Check for signs of infection. Look for changes in swelling, redness, or warmth around the wound. Also look for pus and/or a foul smell.

Place new dressing. Your physician or caregiver will determine what type of dressing is right for you. You may want to use skin prep before placing the dressing. When placing the dressing, avoid creating any wrinkles in the bandage.

Are there any vitamins that might help with the healing process?

Some vitamins can help with the healing process. They include the following (Note: Always check with your doctor before starting a vitamin regimen):

Beta-Carotene(250,000 IU a day). This is a very high dose and should not be maintained longer than three weeks.
Vitamin A(50,000 IU). Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take Vitamin A.
Vitamin C(250 to 500 mg twice a day)
Vitamin E(400 to 8000 IU a day
Zinc (10 to 30 mg a day)
Bromelain (250 mg a day)

Consider purchasing a multi-vitamin and a helpful vitamin and medication dispenser.