Learn helpful tips to aid in wound healing during the warmer months from wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurse with CHC Solutions, Inc., Cheryl Hutton.
1. Drink plenty of water.
Healing wounds recover best in a moist environment. The moist wound environment promotes tissue regeneration and reduces infection, scarring and pain. This means it is essential to keep your body hydrated when it is healing a wound. Not only will this help heal the wound, but you will also avoid becoming dehydrated. Dehydration is more common than people realize, and the risk increases with warm weather.
The risk of dehydration increases with warm weather because the body loses more moisture due to perspiration. Dehydration can stop the delivery of essential fluids and nutrients to the wound site. Additionally, the body’s epithelial cells (cells that cells migrate across the wound bed to create new tissue) work more slowly.
Therefore, remember to keep up with your water intake, especially on a warmer day, to avoid becoming dehydrated and disrupting your wound healing process.
2. Get outside to heal your wound.
The healing process of a wound can be supported by adequate levels of vitamin D because it improves the immune system and increases the production of skin cells. Vitamin D produced by the body is more easily absorbed than vitamin D obtained through the diet. Adequate sun exposure of five to fifteen minutes per day, two to three times a week helps your skin produce vitamin D.
Depending on the clinician’s orders, an individual may not be able to sunbathe in direct sun or go for a swim. However, packing an umbrella or finding a nice spot in the shade to read a book or listen to music are great options for getting outside. If you are unable to spend time in direct sunlight, it is still beneficial for your health to spend time outdoors. Going outside can help manage your sleep pattern, boost your mood and help prevent depression.
3. Protect your skin.
When going out in the sun, whether for a few minutes or a long afternoon, make sure to apply sunscreen. It protects the wound from damaging UV rays that could inhibit the healing process. Continue to use sunscreen of SPF 35 or higher for a year after the wound heals. This can help to minimize scarring, as the wound tissue is more fragile and sensitive to light than other parts of the body.
4. Be mindful of your feet.
Particularly for people with diabetes, it is important to take care of the feet. Summer can pose new problems in terms of foot safety, as people may find themselves walking more.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, one should not walk barefoot. This helps prevent the development of a diabetic foot ulcer or potential infection in one that already exists. It is best to avoid wearing sandals, as they expose the feet and increase the risk of ulcers. Choose shoes that are fitted well but allow for healthy circulation, and wear socks to further protect the feet against friction or rubbing that could cause a diabetic foot ulcer. A clinician can help you choose shoes that are right for your needs.
5. Practice good hygiene to help your wound heal.
It is best to have good hygiene practices always, but it is crucial when you are healing a wound. You should wash your hands often and always make sure your hands are clean before and after caring for a wound. Warm weather usually means that you will sweat more, so when using bandages or wound dressings, make sure to keep them clean and dry to help your wound heal properly.
References
APMA. (2024). Tips for Healthy Feet. https://www.apma.org/Patients/HealthyFeetTips.cfm?ItemNumber=9860
Munoz, N. (2018, October 2). Is There an Association Between Vitamin D and Wound Healing?. WoundSource. https://www.woundsource.com/
*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.