How Wounds Heal

When we were kids, we were made to believe that our wounds would heal just with kiss of our very dear mother

. But as we grow and mature, we find that its not true. Wound healing process is a complicated process.

Our skin is our first layer of protection from germs so that they cannot enter our body. Our skin protects our internal organs so keeping it intact is very important. Wounds may be caused by rubbing to uneven, hard surface, puncture from nails or sharp objects, or cuts from blades and/or knives some are also from human and animal bites. These cause break in skin which can be harmful and can cause further infection if it is just left alone.

Wound healing process happens in order but usually overlaps. It starts immediately when there is a break in the skin. The body releases platelets in the bloodstream. The platelets form a plug that serves as a support and a clog that prevents too much blood loss. This stage is called homeostasis. After this, it proceeds by releasing different white blood cells to engulf the bacteria that have entered the wound. They also clean the area of the wound and gets rid of the debris left behind. This is called the inflammatory stage. Next is the proliferative phase. Here, the body forms the new cells that have been damaged or needs replacement. The capillaries or the smallest blood vessels are also formed. This gives the wound the pinkish or purple-ish color. The capillaries will be the one that provides the new cells nourishment and oxygen so that they can continue growing. This also helps the cells produce collagen which plays an important role in forming new tissues as well as the formation of the scar. The remodeling phase starts 2-3 weeks after the wound was inflicted. Here, the collagen is remodeled to make it stronger. The capillaries are also lessened and the pinkish color starts to slowly fade. The white blood cells are also terminated, by the process called apoptosis, during this phase because their work is now done.

In the wound healing process, all the cells that have been damaged are fixed and replaced. They are all renewed, including the nerve cells in the surface of the skin. After the healing process, it does not mean that the skin is as strong as it was before. The skin takes a long time to recover, approximately 5-6 months. So the nerve endings in the newly healed wound are still sensitive. This sensitivity is perceived by us as an itching sensation. The thinner the skin the more itchy it becomes. The itching can also be contributed to the dry skin since the oil glands are still not fully functional just after the wound healing process. Histamine, which is also released during the inflammatory phase, is one factor that contributes to the itchiness.

Wound is a result of injury. Bleeding occurs and it needs to be stopped immediately. To prevent further infection, it is also advised that you do not poke, scratch, touch or pick it with your hands. Always keep your wounds clean too to prevent irritation and infection.

by: Lam Seina

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