Written by Daria Sysoeva and Edited by Olivia Cooper
“Some wounds never heal”. This is especially true with improperly healed wounds, which can cause life-threatening infections, painful ulcers, and illness. To avoid these, the body quickly responds to injury, even the smallest of cuts cause an army of immune cells and blood cells to rush to the injury site. This marks the beginning of the healing process, which is divided into four stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling [1].
During the hemostasis stage, blood vessels constrict so less blood reaches the injury site and the bleeding slows. Next, blood platelets rush to the wound and begin forming a clot that blocks blood flow. Once the bleeding is effectively stopped, inflammation occurs. In this stage, the wounded tissue and the newly formed clot signal for the release of proinflammatory cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, which will attack any pathogen or item that is foreign to the body [1]. These three types of cells are sent by the immune system to help protect the wound from infection. Neutrophils clear the injury site of cellular debris and foreign microorganisms, while macrophages activate proinflammatory proteins and destroy dead cells. The role of lymphocytes differ based on their type and the stage of life of the cell, but data suggest that they overall help control inflammation, protect the wound from infection, and may aid in scar formation [1]. The construction of new tissue begins simultaneously during the proliferation stage. First, a disorganized layer of collagen, a protein that maintains structure, is put down, and then several new blood vessels are constructed so that the new tissue receives proper nourishment. Finally, the remodeling stage occurs when the collagen matures into an orderly layer of interwoven fibers. This orderly construction is necessary for proper scar formation and for the skin to regain its strength [2].
Sometimes, there can be challenges to the healing process that prolong the healing or cause complications. These challenges are caused by either local factors around the wound site or systemic factors regarding the overall health of the body. For example, infection is a local factor that may set back the healing process. Microorganisms that reside on the surface of the skin can enter the cut and replicate, causing an infection. Furthermore, diabetes, a disease that prevents the body from properly regulating blood sugar, is an example of a systemic factor that can also set back the healing process. Diabetic patients typically have reduced immune system function, which may cause a delayed response of immune cells during the inflammatory stage and leave the wound vulnerable to infection for a longer period of time [1].
To make sure that wounds heal properly and prevent complications, people should have a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and get proper sleep. Vitamin A and Vitamin C, sourced from vegetables and fruit, and zinc, found in whole grains, are among the major vitamins and minerals that keep the skin strong and healthy, help tissue repair, and fight infection [3]. In terms of exercise, physical activity improves immune function by circulating anti-inflammatory factors and blood throughout the body. Exercise also promotes oxygen flow to the entire body, which protects the wound against hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation. Lastly, sleep is crucial for the healing process because it allows for the regeneration of healthy tissues. While the body sleeps, the brain signals for hormones that trigger tissue and blood vessel repair [4]. By adopting these healthy habits, we can help our bodies heal us.
References:
- Guo, S., DiPietro, L.A. (2010). Factors Affecting Wound Healing. Journal of Dental Research, 89:219-229.
- Velnar, T., Bailey, T., Smrkolj, V. (2009). The wound healing process: an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms. Journal of International Medical Research, 37:1528-1542.
- “Nutrition Guidelines to Improve Wound Healing.” Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11111-nutrition-guidelines-to-impro ve-wound-healing. Accessed 20 Oct. 2020.
- Adam, K., Oswald, I. (1994). Sleep helps healing. British Medical Journal, 289:1400-1401.