What is a skin lesion and what causes it?
A skin lesion is an alteration of the skin that can manifest itself in different ways:
- Cuts and scrapes caused by sharp objects or falls.
- Thermal, chemical or sunburns.
- Deep wounds that require medical attention and may leave scars.
- Dermatological conditions (eczema, psoriasis, severe acne) causing chronic lesions.
- Allergic reactions leading to irritation and inflammatory lesions.
These lesions can be superficial or deep, and their healing time depends on the nature of the trauma and the skin's ability to regenerate.
Aggravating factors that can slow healing
- Smoking: reduces tissue oxygenation.
- Nutrient-poor diet: lack of vitamins essential for cell regeneration.
- Lack of hydration: skin is dry and less able to heal.
- Unprotected sun exposure: promotes blemishes and slows down skin repair.
How to properly cleanse a skin lesion to avoid infection?
Cleansing a skin lesion is an essential step in avoiding bacterial infections that can slow healing.
Essential steps for effective cleansing
- Wash your hands before touching the wound, to avoid aggravating the infection.
- Rinse the wound with lukewarm water to remove impurities.
- Use a mild antiseptic (e.g. chlorhexidine or saline solution) to disinfect.
- Gently dry with a clean compress (avoid absorbent cotton, which leaves fibres).
- Apply a protective dressing to promote moist healing.
Avoid alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate the skin and slow healing.
What are the most effective treatments for repairing skin lesions?
Healing is a natural process, but it is possible to speed up tissue repair with the right care and products.
Hydration and topical care
Hydration is essential to maintain supple, resistant skin:
- Healing creams containinghyaluronic acid, Manuka honey, panthenol or shea butter.
- Vegetable oils such asrose hip oil andsweet almond oil, to promote tissue regeneration.
- Repairing gels and balms withAloe Vera and Centella Asiatica, to soothe and accelerate healing.
Infection protection and prevention
- Use hydrocolloid dressings to maintain a moist environment conducive to healing.
- Change dressings regularly to avoid bacterial proliferation.
- Avoid scratching the scab, which can lead to hypertrophic scarring.
Nutrition and supplements for regenerated skin
Nutrition plays a key role in skin repair. It is advisable to give priority to :
- Foods rich in vitamin C: citrus fruits, peppers, kiwis (stimulate collagen production).
- Lean proteins: chicken, eggs, fish to rebuild tissues.
- Zinc and omega-3: found in walnuts, flaxseed and salmon to reduce inflammation.
What natural remedies are effective for repairing damaged skin?
The best natural ingredients for accelerating healing
- Manuka honey: powerful antibacterial and regenerating.
- Aloe Vera: moisturizes, soothes and stimulates cell renewal.
- Coconut oil: promotes skin repair thanks to its fatty acids.
- Centella Asiatica gel: increases collagen production and deeply repairs the skin.
These natural ingredients are often used in the form of homemade creams, balms or masks for optimum effect.
How long does it take to heal a skin lesion?
Healing time varies according to the nature of the injury:
- Superficial scratches: 3 to 7 days.
- First-degree burns: 5 to 10 days.
- Deep or sutured cuts: 10 to 30 days.
- Acne scars or keloids: several months.
A good skincare routine and constant moisturizing can reduce healing time and prevent permanent scarring.
When should you consult a dermatologist?
It is advisable to consult a specialist if :
- The lesion does not heal after 2 to 3 weeks.
- There are signs of infection (intense redness, pain, pus).
- An abnormal scar begins to appear (keloid, hypertrophic scar).
How can I optimize the repair of skin lesions?
- Clean properly to avoid infection.
- Use appropriatehealing creams and natural skin care products.
- Protect skin from external aggressors (sun, pollution, tobacco).
- Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Consult a specialist in the event of complications.
Thanks to these tried-and-tested methods, it's possible to accelerate skin healing and limit the appearance of unsightly scars.
