Top 7 tips for wound healing

 

1. Understand the science behind wound healing 

All wound treatment decisions should be made by a qualified clinician as each person's wounds heal differently, influenced by factors such as the type of wound, location, overall health and age. Wound healing involves several stages, with each one playing a crucial role in repairing the damaged tissue.

Understanding these stages helps in providing the right care at the right time, ensuring that the wound heals efficiently and with minimal complications.

1. Stopping bleeding (the haemostasis stage): This first stage happens immediately after injury or surgery. It involves the blood vessels constricting, and tiny blood cells called platelets forming a clot when exposed to collagen from a damaged blood vessel wall, which starts to seal the wound.
2. Fighting infection (the inflammation stage): Next, the body's immune system sends white blood cells to the wound to fight off any microorganisms. This causes redness, swelling, and warmth around the area – this is a normal process. This phase lasts for about the first four days from the injury/surgery.
3. Healing and growing (the proliferation stage): From days 4–21, new tissue and blood vessels start to grow to replace the damaged ones. The wound starts to close as the body lays down collagen (a protein that offers structural support to the skin and other parts of the body).
4. Strengthening new tissue (the maturation or remodelling stage): Finally, the new tissue gets stronger and becomes more flexible. The wound continues to close, and scar tissue forms. Depending on the depth, location and severity of the wound, this phase can last up to two years.

 

2. Cleanse your wound

In wound management, it remains common practice to cleanse wounds with highly concentrated solutions, which can irritate the wound, and can slow down the wound healing process.

Product tip: Choose wound cleansing solutions that don't irritate wounds. Granudacyn® is tissue-compatible, and the concentration does not irritate wounds. Through continuous irrigation, the microbial load (the amount of micoorganisms in the wound) can be reduced and this supports the healing process of the wound. Granudycin^® is suitable for all acute and hard-to-heal wounds of any depth, such as diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers, pressure injuries, surgical wounds and partial-thickness burns.

 

3. Choose quality wound care products to support healing

Different wounds require different types of dressings. High-quality wound dressings are available in a variety of forms, each designed to meet specific needs. For example, foam dressings are excellent for absorbing exudate.

One reason that hard-to-heal wounds often fare better in hospitals, apart from medical expertise, is that hospitals have access to treatments and wound dressings that can promote effective healing. So quality matters when healing is at stake.

Look for a wound dressing that offers the following:

• Protects from infection
• Maintains a moist environment
• Absorbs wound fluid
• Provides cushioning and comfort
• Reduces the frequency of dressing changes

Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best dressing for your specific wound.

 

4. Maintain moisture, but avoid wetness

A recent report by Wounds Australia found that 1 in 3 Australians would treat a wound by letting it dry out.³ But it’s not true that wounds heal faster when exposed to air, so don’t try to let your wound “breathe” – that will only expose the wound to bacteria and infection. Wounds heal more efficiently in a moist environment, and that happens when your wound is covered with an appropriate wound dressing.

However, there’s a critical factor to bear in mind. If your wound gets too wet from the fluid that naturally seeps from wounds, you’re at risk of infection from bacteria and poor healing – lengthy exposure to wetness causes the skin to soften and break down (maceration). High-quality dressings are designed to absorb this exudate, which maintains a healthy environment for the wound to heal.

Product tip: For “leaky” wounds, try Mepilex® Up, an innovative dimpled foam dressing designed to minimise the risk of leakage. Mepilex Up is intended for a wide range of acute and hard-to-heal wounds with low to high wound fluid such as leg and foot ulcers, pressure injuries and traumatic wounds.

 

5. Let your wound heal undisturbed

Old-school thinking urged people to change dressings daily, but experts now recommend minimal changes. Changing dressings too often can disturb the wound and increase the risk of infection, which will slow the healing process.

When you do remove a dressing, be careful not to damage the tissue surrounding the wound.

High-quality dressings are designed to be gentle on the surrounding wound, stay in place and reduce the need for frequent changes. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dressing changes.

Product tip: Mepilex® Border Flex is a self-adherent, absorbent, soft silicone dressing with Safetac^® Technology for gentle removal and reduced trauma. It maintains a moist wound healing environment and features a water-resistant outer layer that protects wounds. Mepilex Border Flex is designed for wounds that have moderate to high amounts of wound fluid such as pressure injuries, leg and foot ulcers, traumatic wounds, surgical wounds and dry/necrotic wounds in combination with hydration gels.

6. Monitor for signs of infection

 While it’s true that the body’s natural healing process involves an inflammation stage, where redness and heat are normal, it’s also critical to spot the signs of infection.

A bad smell, pus, swelling, or increased redness, pain and heat can all indicate an infected wound. If you notice any signs of infection, see a healthcare professional immediately.

Infection can turn a minor injury into a long-term, hard-to-heal wound so it’s critical to keep harmful bacteria at bay with a suitable dressing. Consult a qualified clinician to determine if the wound is infected.

 

7. Protect your wound from further damage

Dressings that offer cushioning and support can help reduce the risk of further damage and help to reduce pain – especially in high-friction or pressure areas like the heels and elbows.

Comfort is an important consideration in wound care, and high-quality dressings are designed with this in mind. They are made from materials that are gentle on the skin and minimise irritation. They’re also designed to conform to the shape of the wound, providing a snug fit that enhances comfort and promotes healing.

Product tip: One example of a protective dressing is Mepilex® Border Heel. This advanced all-in-one dressing is designed to manage moderate levels of wound fluid. Due to its specific shape, it is specifically designed for complex chronic and acute pressure injuries, as well as other wounds located on the heel.

 

Quality wound care is vital for ensuring that wounds heal properly and without complications. By understanding the science behind wound healing, maintaining a moist environment, minimising disturbance and protecting your wound with high-quality wound dressings, you can heal your wounds well.

 

 

 

 

References:

1. Severing AL, Rembe JD, Koester V. Stuermer EK. Safety and efficacy profiles of different commercial sodium hyproclorite/hypoclorous acid solutios (NaClO/HClO): antimicrocial efficay, cytotoxic impact and physicochemical parameters in vitro Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2019;74(2):365-372.

2. Edwards-Jones V, Flanagan M, and Wolcott R. Technological advancements in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Wounds Int. 2015; 6(2):47–51.

3. Wounds Australia. Australian consumer insights into wound care. June 2025 [Internet]. Available from: https://woundaware.org/int/woundsaus/uploads/wound%20aware/wounds%20australia_consumer%20insights%20report_june_final.pdf