One of the most important factors associated with skin healing is to keep the affected area as sterile as possible. This can be done by using sterile wraps and disinfecting the wound at least twice per day. In addition, some doctors recommend removing sterile wraps a few times each day to expose the skin to fresh air, because wounds that are not allowed to breathe sometimes take longer to heal. In addition, it may be a good idea to eat foods that are rich in protein and vitamin B, as both may be linked to skin healing. You might also want to check with your doctor, because different types of wounds or skin disorders may need specific types of treatment.
There are a number of natural remedies believed to help promote skin healing. For many years, herbalists have recommended the use of sarsaparilla, goldenseal, and barberry. Sarsaparilla in particular has a long history of use in treating open wounds and skin disorders. Licorice root and evening primrose are two herbs believed to promote new cell growth and reduce inflammation, two necessary components for skin healing.
Another natural remedy believed to help repair damaged skin while preventing infection is colloidal silver. Applying this silver to a wound should kill bacteria without damaging new cell growth. Unlike some antiseptics, colloidal silver does not burn when applied to an open wound. Overuse of colloidal silver can pose some health risks, so you should probably consult with a physician before using this method of treatment.
Infection is one of the primary reasons that wounds or skin disorders may take longer to heal. It is important early on to treat the skin with an antibiotic ointment that will help combat infection-bearing microorganisms that enter the wound. You can purchase topical ointments designed to disinfect minor cuts and scrapes at your local pharmacy. Many of these are available over the counter, without the need for a prescription. The sooner these are applied, the less likely the skin will become infected.
It is probably a good idea to avoid the use of scented creams or perfumes, especially if they must be applied near the affected area. Sometimes scented products contain chemicals that can irritate the skin. If the skin becomes irritated, inflammation can occur, which will make the wound more painful, and may lengthen the healing process. You may also want to use fragrance-free soaps when showering or cleaning the wound.