Wound Healing

Have you ever wondered what happens to your body when you get a cut? The wound heals, but that’s not magic. Wound healing is a natural physiological process. It starts immediately after your body is scratched and continues until the wound is successfully healed.

So, what are the stages of wound healing, and how does your body manage such a fantastic feat? This blog aims to highlight the fascinating science behind how wounds heal.

What is Wound Healing?

Wound healing is a normal biological process. It aims at restoring the integrity of the skin and underlying tissues. The process is categorised into two parts: – 

• Acute: Heals quickly.
• Chronic: Takes a longer time or may require medical intervention. 

However, various factors are responsible for how effectively a wound heals, including age factor, overall health, and nutritional status. 

Stages of Wound healing, such as: 

#1. Hemostasis

The first stage of wound healing begins immediately after the injury. When skin or tissue is damaged, blood vessels in the area constrict to limit blood flow. This process is called vasoconstriction. 

At the same time, blood clotting factors are activated. Platelets collect to form a temporary plug that seals the wound. This process is known as hemostasis, which prevents further blood loss and serves as the basis for healing.

In this stage:

• Platelets are activated and release substances that attract other cells involved in the healing process.
• A clot forms to plug the wound.
• A scab may form on the wound’s surface as a protective barrier against pathogens.
• The hemostasis stage is usually completed within minutes to hours after injury.

#2. Inflammation

After the first stage, the body enters the inflammatory phase, which typically lasts a few days. In this stage, the body focuses on defending the wound site from infection and removing dead cells, bacteria, and debris. Inflammation is essential to healing the wound properly. During this process, you may experience some uncomfortable symptoms, such as redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.

In this stage:

• White blood cells (primarily neutrophils and macrophages) migrate to the wound site to protect the wound from infections. 
• Growth factors are released to promote tissue repair and attract other healing cells.
• Swelling occurs as blood vessels widen. It allows immune cells and nutrients to reach the wound site.
• Although inflammation is essential for healing, it needs to be controlled. If inflammation persists, it can lead to chronic wounds or other complications.

#3. Proliferation

Tissue rebuilding begins in the third stage. This phase usually lasts a few weeks, depending on the size, condition, and severity of the wound. During this Phase, the body focuses on healing and covering the wound with new tissue.

In this stage:

• Granulation: New tissue composed of collagen and extracellular matrix forms to heal the wound. This tissue is pink and granular in appearance, hence the name.
• Angiogenesis: New blood vessels grow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the newly formed tissue.
• Epithelialization: Skin cells (keratinocytes) move across the wound and cover it with new skin.
• Wound contraction: Specialised cells known as myofibroblasts help reduce the size of the wound by pulling its edges together.

#4. Maturation

In the fourth stage of wound healing, maturation, which is called the remodelling phase, can last for a few months to years. In this process, your new tissue continues to strengthen, become flexible, and mature. Although the wound is closed, it is still fragile and requires time to regain its full integrity.

In this stage:

• Collagen is realigned and remodelled to improve the strength and elasticity of the repaired tissue.
• Blood vessels no longer needed during healing recede, causing the wound to lose its red or pink colour and become more like the surrounding skin.
• The wound gradually fades, and a scar may form, although over time, it may soften, flatten, and blend in with the skin.
• Although the wound may never regain 100% of its original strength, the tissue becomes much stronger than it was in the early stages of healing.

During these stages, your wound may look raised and red, but it becomes smaller as new tissue forms. You need to take care of your wound by keeping the area moist and clean. For a wound to heal successfully, all four stages must occur in the proper sequence and time frame.

Conclusion

Wound healing is a biological yet complex process. Your body undergoes four stages of healing, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. Each stage plays a vital role, from minimising the risk of infection to successful healing. Understanding these stages not only allows people to take care of their wounds but also recognise the signs of abnormal healing that may require medical intervention.

FAQs Around Wound Healing:

Why is wound healing delayed in diabetes?

Due to poor blood circulation, wound healing may delay diabetes. Actually, it limits oxygen and nutrients reaching the wound. High blood sugar impairs immune function and damages blood vessels. It can also slow down the healing process. Additionally, nerve damage (neuropathy) in diabetics can prevent individuals from noticing and properly treating wounds. It leads to infections and complication.

How to speed up wound healing?

To Accelerate wound healing, keep the wound clean and moist by applying proper dressings to prevent infection and speed healing. Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C and zinc. It helps to aid tissue repair. Stay hydrated to improve blood circulation. Avoid smoking, and manage any underlying conditions such as diabetes. Consult a healthcare provider for specialised care if needed.

How to know if a wound is healing?

A wound is healing if you notice reduced redness, swelling, and pain over time. The wound should gradually shrink in size as new tissue forms, and any discharge should decrease. The formation of a scab or pinkish granulation tissue is a good sign, along with the edges of the wound pulling together. If the wound remains free of excessive pain, odour, or pus, it is likely to heal properly.