Most small wounds heal over time naturally, though there are ways to speed healing more rapidly, including using antibacterial ointment, aloe vera gel, turmeric powder or coconut oil. People experiencing large open wounds that involve significant blood loss should seek medical advice immediately.
Diets rich in vitamin C and other vital nutrients may aid the healing process by speeding it along. Sources of Vitamin C include oranges, berries and bell peppers in addition to supplements available as nutritional support.
Antibacterial Ointment
Antibiotic ointment can be an invaluable way of speeding the healing of any small wound or cut. Over-the-counter versions can be purchased without needing a valid prescription; just read and follow all instructions carefully prior to applying it on your skin. In case of questions regarding use, always contact your physician.
Neosporin and Polysporin antibiotic ointments are both available as solutions to help combat infections of small skin cuts and scrapes, while some offer added pain-relief by way of numbing properties.
Bacitracin, the primary active ingredient found in these ointments, works by disrupting cell-wall synthesis to kill off bacteria that have colonized and become problematic, as well as help keep moisture locked into your skin, thus decreasing scar formation.
These ointments can be found at any store that sells first aid products and are easy to apply directly onto wounds. Children can safely use them, and sensitive skin won’t be compromised; however if you are allergic to any of the ingredients they should not be used.
Antibiotic ointments are among the most indispensable items found in any first aid kit, alongside disinfectant and bandages. Used on minor cuts, scrapes and burns to protect them from infections, these ointments should only be applied over shallow wounds without deep lacerations; larger or deeper injuries should be evaluated by medical professionals to ensure there are no serious complications and receive the care required for healing.
Petrolatum ointments also act to prevent infections and promote wound healing, making them accessible at most pharmacies and drug stores. Numerous studies were conducted on its efficacy versus antibacterial agents; all were found to provide similar results when it came to wound healing in clean wounds; some studies did experience mild allergic contact dermatitis during testing, though.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an aquatic succulent plant known for centuries for its healing properties and many claimed medicinal uses, with ample scientific support backing this natural substance as the “Plant of Immortality.” Aloe can easily grow indoors or outside and its leaves contain polysaccharide gel acemannan which can be extracted and consumed or applied topically, boasting several vitamins, minerals, amino acids as well as essential fatty acids, glucomannans and sterols beneficial to human bodies.
Aloe vera can help treat cuts, scrapes and wounds because its powerful healing agents stimulate cell regeneration while its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties keep wounds clean while reducing swelling and redness. Rich in vitamins C and E as antioxidants to fight free radicals responsible for cell damage and oxidative stress; in addition, its glucomannan compound increases collagen production while acting as an anti-inflammatory agent – all essential qualities when dealing with wounds of any kind.
Studies have demonstrated that the gel from this plant can reduce skin inflammation and speed healing, as well as be used to soothe minor burns and treat them effectively. Furthermore, its abundance in fatty acids and antioxidants protects it against UV radiation while slowing photoaging of the skin.
The gel of this plant can also be used as an aftershave because it helps hydrate skin while soothing irritations caused by shaving. Furthermore, its antibacterial and soothing qualities have proven effective against razor burns as well as small cuts or nicks; its fatty acid content has even shown promise against allergy and irritation issues.
This plant has long been utilized in Egypt, China, India and Mexico. In fact, its name was included in an Egyptian medical text from 16th century BC known as the Ebers Papyrus as being “a plant of immortality”. At its funerals of Pharaohs it would often be presented. Some compounds like aloin and emodin contain laxative effects as well as acting as antiviral and antibacterial agents while it also boasts 12 anthraquinones that provide health benefits.
Turmeric
Curcuma longa (commonly referred to as turmeric), the yellow spice widely popular as part of traditional medicine, is an integral component of traditional remedies. Its medicinal benefits are attributable to curcumin which exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties; additionally it acts as a natural antioxidant protecting cells against free radical damage.
Turmeric may help speed wound healing by stimulating cell division that forms granulation tissue, leading to faster epithelialization and reduced scarring. Furthermore, turmeric increases blood circulation which speeds the healing process; you can apply directly onto skin or use as part of cream, oil or powder treatments.
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties provide another advantage, helping to reduce swelling and redness and treat various conditions including wounds and arthritis. Many anecdotal accounts cite turmeric’s pain-relieving qualities while studies have demonstrated it may even outperform traditional medications like ibuprofen for some users.
Skin lightening and dark spot removal can also be achieved using this approach, by creating a paste and applying it daily to the face or body. This approach is particularly helpful for people suffering from acne; additionally, its improved condition of scalp makes shaving much simpler!
Turmeric can also be used to treat minor open wounds and prevent infections, while large open wounds require medical treatment from a doctor. Applying antibiotic ointment with turmeric application may help keep wounds clean while speeding healing time – however a dermatologist should be consulted if an open wound doesn’t heal as expected.
Honey can also aid the healing of cuts quickly by offering antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as stimulating collagen production. A 2016 study concluded that honey could heal partial-thickness wounds faster than any other treatment; additionally it can reduce scarring while exfoliating dead skin cells off your body more quickly than other methods. For best results, however, only use honey on minor open wounds; consult with a physician first if using on larger cuts.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an antimicrobial plant-based fat used for both culinary and cosmetic applications, such as treating skin conditions. Coconut oil’s medium-chain fatty acids – specifically lauric acid, an antimicrobial – provide it with antimicrobial properties which help fight bacteria and other harmful microorganisms; its antimicrobial qualities may even speed healing in minor cuts or scrapes.
Coconut oil combined with garlic can speed the healing of wounds by acting as an antimicrobial, with allicin acting as an antimicrobial compound to help combat infections. You can add drops of this ointment directly onto an antibiotic ointment, or purchase one already formulated.
Fatty acids found in vegetable oils play a pivotal role in how well wounds heal, particularly coconut oil’s rich source of fatty acids which aid in absorption of key vitamins like Vitamin E – essential to overall skin health and healing. Furthermore, coconut oil offers soothing relief while aiding healing processes.
Stretch marks can be a common side effect of pregnancy or weight gain, and are hard to get rid of. Coconut oil’s fatty acids may help soften skin while gradually making stretch marks fade in color over time.
Coconut oil can also serve as an effective natural treatment for acne. The fatty acids contained in it can reduce inflammation, combat bacteria that causes it, and prevent pimple formation – as well as potentially reduce scarring due to acne scarring.
Coconut oil-containing ointment can help treat acne scars by diminishing their appearance, as well as reducing redness and swelling associated with them.
Ointment should be applied twice daily for optimal results, following each application with moisturizer to help the ointment from drying out and sun protection to stop its scars from darkening further. Sun protection also reduces scar depth.
