Bob-boos happen to young and old alike. As someone who has cared for accident-prone boys and bruise-prone elderly family members, plus I now suffer with more than my share of bruises due to blood thinner therapy, I’ve learned a few tricks for expediting the healing of cuts and bruises and keep an open window to WebMD at all times. To promote healing and take away the ‘ouch’ factor quickly, try these 7 ways to heal cuts and bruises faster.
Start with a Gentle Cleansing
Gently wash the cut with plain soap and water to cleanse away any debris or injured tissue. Allow tepid water to run over the cut for a thorough rinse, then gently pat dry.
Apply a Germ Killer
Apply a germ killer to the cut and surrounding skin to prevent infection. A dousing with hydrogen peroxide followed by an application of an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin will kill all the surface germs.
Cover the Bob-boo
EmaxHealth informs us to cover the cut to promtoe faster healing. Covering the cut with a bandage to keep it moist will enable a soft scab to form quickly over the cut. The bandage, along with the soft scab, will help protect the cut from further trauma if it gets bumped. Allowing the cut to remain uncovered so it can ‘breathe’ and form a dry, hard scab lengthens the time it takes for the cut to heal.
TLC for Soft Scabs
Treat soft scabs with TLC, they are protecting the cut and the delicate new skin cells which are forming to close up the cut. Never yank off the bandage, remove it slowly and gently and never pick at a scab, allow it to fall off naturally.
Apply Arnica to Bruises
According to an article published by the University of Maryland Medical Center, arnica is an herbal remedy derived from flower heads of the arnica plant and has been used as a topical ointment to soothe sprained muscles and to speed healing to bruises for centuries.
Increase Vitamin C
Increasing the daily dose of vitamin C supplement to 3,00 mg a day speeds the healing of cuts and bruises. Divide the dose of vitamin C into three daily doses of 1,000 mgs each to speed up the healing process of damaged blood vessels at the wound or bruise site.
Time to See a Doctor
As advised on RightDiagnosis.com, if the cut is a result of an animal bite, you should see a doctor. Time to see a doctor if the cut is a puncture wound, japed or gapping open. If the cut begins to ooze , develop red streaks on surrounding skin, becomes tender or inflamed or if you begin to run a fever, it’s time to see a doctor. And always alert your doctor to the types of medications you’re taking.
Sources:
WebMD
Arnica – University of Maryland Medical Center
Myths and truths of healing Cuts
Right Diagnosis – Skin Sores
EmaxHealth