A Guide to Wound Healing Phases

Whenever our skin is damaged, wound healing will occur as the natural physiological response. The stages of wound healing are complex because our body's different systems must work together to repair the injured tissue.

In this article, learn about the different phases of wound healing which take place to repair damaged tissue.

The objective of the hemostasis phase of wound healing is to stop any bleeding. To do so, your body activates its blood clotting system. When your blood clots at the opening of a wound, it prevents you from losing too much blood and it is the first step of your wound closing up.

This stage sets the foundation of the entire healing process and can last up to two days, depending on how deep your wound is.

Once phase one is complete and your body is no longer bleeding, your body activates its key defence mechanism – inflammation.

This phase works to kill bacteria and remove debris with white and other blood cells. Inflammation ensures that your wound is clean and ready for new tissue to start growing.

This phase can be the most painful of all. As the blood rushes to the wound to clean it, you will start to notice:

• Redness
• Heat
• Pain

Inflammation generally takes up to six days and should go away.

If you experience excessive pain, heat and/or reddening (all signs of your inflammation response working in overdrive), your wound could have become infected. An infected wound can be dangerous, so always ask a doctor to take a look.

It is important to keep the wound clean to prevent infection. Cleanse your wound from dirt, bacteria and visible particles with the Elastoplast Wound Spray to prevent infections.

Once your wound is clean, your body will begin the proliferation phase of wound healing. This stage involves closing your wound.

Phase three can be broken down into three semi-phases, including:

• 1. Filling the wound - with new connective tissue and blood vessels.
• 2. Contracting the edges of the wound - this will feel like the wound is tightening towards the centre.
• 3. Covering the wound - Epithelial cells (cells that create a protective barrier between the inside and outside of your body) flood in and multiply to close your wound completely.

This phase can last four days to almost a month, depending on the surface area of your wound. To support and speed up wound healing, apply the Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment daily until the wound has healed completely and cover it with an Elastoplast plaster or non-stick dressing if needed.

During this phase, the new tissue that your body built in phase three, needs to strengthen and build flexibility.

This stage can take the longest, sometimes taking over a year to fully repair. But, once fully recovered, your skin should be pretty close to as strong as it was before it was wounded. Once the wound closes, you may notice a red or pink raised scar, Elastoplast Scar Reducer make scars flatter, softer and lighter.

The healing process is one of the body’s most extraordinary functions, but it can be delayed by aggravators like infection and poor wound care. It’s a smart idea to learn how to properly dress a wound so you can maximise your body’s ability to heal properly.

Although all wounds go through the same stages, the rate and extent of healing can differ depending on the type of wound. Post-operative wound care is always related to the individual wound situation and the treatment should be performed as per the doctor's recommendation. For post-operative wound treatment, find out more here.

It is important to manage and treat the wound correctly to promote fast wound healing. Wounds will heal faster when you attend to them right away and keep them moist. Moist wound conditions not only heal cuts quickly but reduce the risk of scabbing and scarring too. Although for post-operative wound healing, dry wound care may be recommended i.e. covering the wound with a dressing without providing moist wound healing conditions. 

Always follow the directions from your doctor on the recommended wound management. 

Wound healing is a complex process that can be influenced by various factors. Promoting optimal wound healing can involve:

• Maintaining a Clean Environment: Keeping the wound clean and free from contamination is crucial to prevent infection. Clean the wound gently with mild soap and water and avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing.
• Appropriate Dressings: Covering the wound with a sterile dressing or bandage helps protect it from external contaminants and maintains a moist environment that supports healing.
• Infection Prevention: Proper wound care includes the use of topical antibiotic ointments or creams to prevent infection. If a wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, seek medical attention.

Common Signs of wound healing include:

1. Hemostasis: Signs include the formation of a blood clot and the cessation of bleeding.
2. Inflammation: Signs of this stage include redness, swelling, heat, and pain around the wound.
3. Proliferation: Signs include the formation of granulation tissue (pinkish or red tissue that fills the wound), increased blood flow to the area, and the formation of a temporary scab or crust.
4. Remodelling: Signs include the gradual fading of redness and swelling, and the development of a scar that may become less noticeable over time.

The healing process is one of the body’s most extraordinary functions, but it can be delayed by aggravators like infection and poor wound care. It’s a smart idea to learn how to properly dress a wound so you can maximise your body’s ability to heal properly.

Heal your wound quickly by following these 3 key steps:

1. Cleanse your wound with the Elastoplast Wound Spray to prevent infections.
2. Protect your wound from dirt and bacteria and cover it with an Elastoplast Plaster or Elastoplast Wound Dressing to enable undisturbed healing.
3. Heal your wound faster using the Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment until it has healed completely

Always see a doctor if the wound is deep, bleeds heavily or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth. Please note that none of the above given tips or recommendations substitute medical advice. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products' packages. Important: consult a health professional in case of any uncertainty of treating your wound properly.

For further information regarding Elastoplast products, please contact us via email on support.anz@elastoplast.com.au (AU and NZ). Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products' packages.