Your skin--the largest organ in the body--is an efficient protector against bacteria that can cause infection. When your skin is injured, it goes through a natural process by which it heals itself. However, there are some things you can do and products you can use to promote skin healing and reduce your risk of infection.
Damage to the Skin
The University of Maryland Medical Center defines a wound as a break in the skin caused by an external force. Cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds, such as when you step on a nail, are considered minor wounds. But this term also encompasses surgical incisions, contusions, bruises, burns, skin ulcers caused by diabetes. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that you should be able to treat minor wounds yourself. However, there's a time when you need to see a doctor, such as after an animal bite or a cut more than a 1/2 inch long in which the fat or muscle under the epidermis is exposed.
What to Do First
Small cuts, scrapes, punctures and other minor dings usually stop bleeding soon. The Mayo Clinic advises putting pressure on the wounded skin with a clean cloth or bandage until bleeding stops and to elevate the wounded area, if you can. Rinse the skin with plain water; use soap only on the skin around the wound. If there's gravel or other debris in the wound, carefully pick it out with sterilized tweezers. Next, put over-the-counter antibiotic cream or ointment on the wound, says the Mayo Clinic, to prevent the wounded area from getting infected. Finally, cover the skin with a sterile bandage to prevent infection.
Natural Remedies
Certain herbal creams, ointments, gels and oral supplements are purported to speed up your skin's healing, but never use these unless you have your doctor's OK, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Herbs suggested for skin healing include calendula, aloe vera, tea tree oil, marshmallow, gotu kola, slippery elm and chamomile. When taken internally--by mouth--some herbs may have anti-inflammatory and natural antibiotic effects. These include pycnogenol, gotu kola, turmeric, dandelion and a combination of goldenseal and coneflower.
Maintenance
As your skin heals, it's important to monitor for symptoms of infection, such as inflammation, redness and drainage. Change the dressing daily, according to the Mayo Clinic, or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. If a cut or puncture is deep, located anywhere on your foot, becomes contaminated or is caused by an animal or human bite, you need to see a doctor. Additional treatment may be necessary, such as a tetanus shot or tetanus booster. In the case of bites, other measures may need to be taken to make sure that you're not at risk for rabies.
Cautions
Severe wounds should not be treated at home. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that your physician can best determine what needs to be done, be it suturing the skin shut or kept open because it's become infected. You may require additional medications to make you feel more comfortable and ensure healing, such as pain relievers, antiseptic cleansers, antibiotics, corticosteroids and medicated dressings.
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