Granulation tissue and early wound healing.
The growth of new cells is one of the most obvious signs of early-stage wound healing. This is known as cell proliferation. Granulation tissue is always the first tissue type to begin appearing in a newly healing wound. As with other types of tissue growth, naturally produced chemical signals control this regenerative response.
The growth factor Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) is the specific “chemical signal” responsible for granulation tissue. Not surprisingly, it can be found in abundance in newly healing wounds. It is this pink, highly vascular tissue which occupies the “wound defect” of any cut or scrape. Wayne and colleagues have noted dramatic increases in PCNA levels after treatment with ESWT and other associated treatments. Stojadinovic et al documented similar findings. More research is needed, yet it’s safe to say that initial results are promising.
Does this mean that treatments like ESWT are effective for wound healing? Reaching further, can it be effective for diabetic ulcers and other non-healing wounds? The simplest answer is “most likely.” It’s reasonable to assume that a dramatic increase in growth factors such as PCNA positively affects wound healing.
Studies by scientists such as St. Pierre et al (2014) have conclusively linked ESWT to large increases in growth factors. Specifically, this refers to naturally occurring chemicals such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Compounds such as these support a process called “Angiogenesis.” This may sound like a complicated term, yet it simply means “the growth of new blood vessels.”
Research
More research is needed. Yet it may be reasonable to assume that a treatment which supports angiogenesis at the sight of injury is beneficial. Further still, additional studies (Wayne et al, 2016) reach similar conclusions. Namely, that Regenerative Therapies (like ESWT) promote large increases in levels of tissue and blood vessel growth factors.
How To Speed Up Wound Healing Naturally
1. Turmeric
Natural antibiotic and antiseptic substance that has been utilized for therapeutic purposes for many years.
Turmeric’s curcumin aids wound healing via regulating collagen, according to a study published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.
If the wound is bleeding, add turmeric to it and the bleeding will stop right away. To cure entirely, take a glass of turmeric milk every night before bedtime.
2. Aloe Vera
The antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of aloe vera are well-known. It’s the most common home cure for wounds and bruises.
Aloe vera gel applied to the open wound for a few days will totally heal it. Phytochemicals in aloe vera gel also aid to relieve pain and inflammation.
Apply aloe vera gel to the injured region and let it dry to speed up the healing process. Rinse with clean water thereafter.
3. Onions
Onions contain allicin, an antibacterial substance that prevents infection of the wound.
Onions also have anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in wound healing and inflammation reduction.
Onions can be ground into a paste and applied to the open wound. It will aid in the killing of bacteria before they infect the wound. Garlic and onions combined in a paste can also help wounds heal quickly.
How Does Infection Interfere With The Wound’s Healing Process?
Infection greatly affects wound healing, since when the wound becomes infected the bacteria start multiplying which increases inflammation and tissue damage. Furthermore, once wound is infected, your body will start focusing on fighting the bacteria, rather than the healing. Which makes would healing much slower, and even increases the risk of scarring. In serious cases, the infection can spread even more which will lead to many more serious problems.
What Are Some Risks Of Leaving Wounds Untreated?
Leaving wounds untreated is never a great idea, since it easily leads to some serious conditions like:
- Infection: Open wounds are prone to be attacked by bacteria, which leads to infection. If you are infected you will notice fever, chills, pus from the wound or swelling which is should be addressed as soon as possible.
- Delayed Healing: As mentioned earlier, infection makes the healing slow since the body starts focusing on fighting off bacteria which makes the healing process slow.
- Scarring: Untreated or slow healing wounds heal improperly, which makes the scars much more noticeable.
- Sepsis: In serious cases infection may enter the bloodstream which causes sepsis, it’s a life threatening condition, so make sure your wounds are treated before risk of any infection.
- Tissue Damage and Death: Prolonged lack of treatment can even lead to tissue death, where the tissues no longer heal, such conditions require medical intervention. Non healing wounds can require amputations, as they may affect the other body parts and spread the infection.
Can Repeated Trauma To Wound Area Slow Down The Healing Process?
Yes, continuous or repeated trauma to wound rea slow downs the healing process as it disrupts the natural healing process. Re-injury increases the risk of even more infection, which of course interferes with the healing process.