Tips for Wound Healing in the Warm Weather
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. This means it is essential to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration is more common than people realize.
Also, the risk of dehydration heightens with warm weather because the body loses more moisture due to perspiration. Dehydration can stop the delivery of fluids and nutrients, needed for efficient wound healing, 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. These can hinder or even halt the healing process.
2. Stay in the shade
Depending on the clinician’s orders, an individual may not be able to sunbathe in direct sun or go for a swim but can pack an umbrella or find a nice spot in the shade to read a book or listen to music.
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. Continue to use sunscreen of SPF 35 or higher for a year after the wound heals. This can help to minimize unsightly 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’s 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.
To learn more about wound care, visit our blog page at https://www.chcsolutions.com/continuum_connect/wound-care/.
*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.