|
Wound healing and scar
formation
is a dynamic and complex process. The body wants to heal the
wound and starts an orderly chain of events. First, the blood vessels are
sealed and the area around the wound is pressurized (edema/inflammation)
in order to stop the escape of body fluids. There is a perfusion of
hormones and nutrients through the capillary walls allowing the migration
of neutrophils and macrophages (white blood cells) into the wound.
The area is sealed by fibrins
and then enters a fermentative stage (in
contrast to the oxidative or normal condition of body tissues), conductive
for cell growth-Fibroblasts will appear in the wound, collagen synthesis
starts, then the collagens get linked together. Finally, a juvenile scar
appears, closes the wound, and signals the end of the growth stage.-
Once the wound is closed, the protective blockade around the wound
is not needed. The blocking material consisting of platelets, blood clots,
debris and fibrins, are removed by digestive enzymes and the tissue
becomes oxidative or normal again. In time, migration of skin cells
into the scar (epithelialization) completes the process.
The last stage of healing
depends greatly on the oxygen supply and
perfusion of nutrients and anti-inflammatory regulators to the scar area.
At this stage (as most experts agree), adequate skin care should begin to
aid and enhance the natural processes. Otherwise, complications of
excessive scarring, slow healing, prolonged swelling, etc., may occur.
|
