We've all had a wound: a cut, scratch or scrape that breaks the skin. Most wounds on healthy people heal quickly when kept clean and free of infection, while other types of wounds are more serious and require medical intervention. Fortunately, healthful food choices may help with recovery by providing the calories, vitamins, minerals and protein necessary to promote healing.
1. How do wounds occur?
Wounds occur when the skin is broken or damaged through injury or surgical incision. The skin can be damaged in a variety of ways depending on the cause of the injury e.g. trauma (puncture wounds, scalds); pressure or friction (pressure ulcers, abrasions). The lower limbs, in particular, can be prone to diabetic and venous ulcers which may have started with trauma (e.g. stubbing a toe, stepping on a nail) or through repeated irritation (e.g. tight fitting shoes, hot water bathing) combined with poor blood circulation results in skin damage.
2. What are pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers are a type of wound caused by prolonged pressure being applied to an area of skin that starves the blood supply. This leads to damage to the skin and tissues below. Pressure ulcers commonly affect people that are bedbound or immobile and so are often called bed sores, pressure sores, or pressure damage.
3. Nutrition and wound healing
Wounds can occur in people who have poor nutrition, and who are not consuming enough fluid, energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals which can delay healing and increase the risk of complications. Sometimes wounds occur in people who are eating well. However, it might be that they still need extra nutrients to help the wounds to heal.
4. Are you getting the nourishment you need?
All people with wounds should aim to have a healthy, well-balanced diet (as depicted on the plate overleaf) which provides all the nutrients we need.
This includes:
Starchy carbohydrates e.g. bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and breakfast cereals
Protein e.g. meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, soya products
Milk and dairy foods e.g. yogurts, fromage frais, crème Fraiche and hard / cream cheeses
Fruit and vegetables
Fluid
Protein: Include a high protein food at each meal, such as:
Meat or meat products e.g. beef, lamb, pork, bacon, sausages
Poultry e.g. chicken, turkey, duck
Fish e.g. cod, mackerel, pilchards, sardines, tuna, salmon
Vegetarian protein options e.g. tofu, soya mince, Quorn
Eggs
Dairy or dairy products e.g. milk, cheese, yogurts, milk puddings
Nuts and seeds
Beans and pulses.
Vitamins, minerals, and trace elements: Fruit and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are required for wound healing. Aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables each day to help meet your daily needs.
5. Should I take a vitamin and mineral supplement?
If you find it hard to eat five portions of fruit or vegetables each day, a vitamin and mineral supplement may be beneficial, so discuss this with your doctor or ask to be referred to a dietitian.
Fluid: Try to drink 6-8 glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of fluid each day which will support wound healing and is important for your general health.
Water, tea, coffee, squash, juices, fizzy drinks, milk and milky drinks all count as fluids
Milky drinks such as hot chocolate, latte, malted drinks, and milkshakes are particularly good as they contain both calories and protein.
Energy: You may struggle to eat enough energy (calories) if you have a poor appetite. Here are some tips which will help you improve your intake:
Choose full fat or high energy food varieties e.g. whole milk, thick and creamy yogurts. Avoid low-calorie options e.g. skimmed milk, diet yogurts, light hot chocolate
Eating 4 to 6 smaller meals or snacks may be easier than the traditional 3 larger meals per day
Avoid drinking before you eat as this will fill you up l If you are struggling to prepare foods use convenience foods or ready meals
Try fortifying your diet by adding extra protein and calories to foods (see table on page 6 for ideas)
Include extra snacks between meals
Have regular nourishing drinks and try fortified milk.