Dry vs. Wet Wound Healing
We’ve all been there, where we get a scrape on our knee and we let it scab over. And it dries out, getting itchy before ultimately healing on its own. However, did you know that there’s a better way to treat wounds? Like you, we want to provide the best care to ourselves and our pets, so let’s discuss the difference between dry and wet wound healing.
“Traditional” (Dry) Wound Healing
The traditional way of wound healing, or “dry” wound healing, is what a lot of us are familiar with. You keep the injury site as clean and dry as possible, and a scab forms over the wound bed. Scabs act as a solid barrier that minimize and inhibit possible infections that occur in wounds while healing. They protect the wound from the outside environment and allow the tissue to regrow.
Unfortunately, this solid barrier also creates problems between the wound site and the surrounding healthy tissues. The scab limits fresh blood and nutrients flowing into the wound, thus prolonging the healing process. The nerve endings are overly sensitized leading to discomfort (itching). The slow healing skin favors scar formation. Just like us, your pet will try to scratch that itch, breaking the barrier, and make the healing process take longer than it needs to.
Wet Wound Healing
An alternative approach to protecting and healing wounds is called wet wound healing, and it has none of the downsides of dry wound healing mentioned above.
Just like dry wound healing, wet wound healing stays true to its namesake and means keeping the wound site wet or moist during the healing process. The simplest way to do this is to apply a bandage with healing ointment! However, it can be done through the application of many different ointments or infused dressings. This wet protective barrier will keep the wound moist, encouraging excellent skin growth and even preventing inflammation.
Let’s go a little deeper into why this works by talking a little about cells. Our cells prefer moist environments. Wounds are thirsty work for the body, and it tries to supply the wound with extra water, which is why you might feel thirsty when you have a large wound. A moist bandage keeps the wound wet and allows the body to supply blood with plenty of nutrients and oxygen. This supply of “good stuff” encourages cells to regenerate naturally, resulting in faster tissue formation with minimal tissue scarring!
The benefits of wet wound healing are truly amazing and lead to quicker, better healing. That’s why when your pet gets a wound, we created HoneyCure as an excellent natural option for wet wound healing. HoneyCure is loaded to provide more than just your standard moisturizing properties too! The next time you find yourself caring for wounds, remember the benefits of wet wound healing!
READ MORE ABOUT WET WOUND HEALING:
What In The World Is Wet Wound Healing? August 22, 2018