Skin wounds are common in daily life, resulting from burns, acne, cuts, or surgery. When injured, the body activates a series of natural processes to repair the wound. However, without proper care, wounds can easily leave lasting, unsightly scars. Dr. Nguyen Anh Duy Tung, a nutrition and dietetics specialist at Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, emphasizes that a diet rich in the following nutrient groups supports the recovery process and minimizes the risk of scarring.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a vital role in bones, connective tissues, muscles, and blood vessels. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, kiwis, tomatoes, guavas, and papayas, helps the body synthesize and produce collagen and elastin. These are crucial for regenerating skin structure, closing tissues, and filling wounds. Beyond repairing skin damage, this nutrient also brightens and fades dark scars in the affected area.

Vitamins E and A

Vitamin A, found in olive oil, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers, aids in the development and maintenance of epithelium. It promotes the proliferation of new skin cells and improves pigmentation. When combined with foods rich in vitamin E, such as avocados, sunflower seeds, almonds, and pumpkins, which are rich in antioxidants, skin tissues are protected from free radical damage. Consequently, skin wounds heal faster and become smoother.

Proper care and supplementing with essential nutrients help minimize scarring on the skin. *AI-generated photo*.

Protein

Protein is involved in the formation of new cells, thereby regenerating skin, collagen, and blood vessels to heal wounds. When injured, especially with open wounds, supplementing protein from eggs, milk, lean meat, tuna, oats, soybeans, and almonds also helps the immune system produce antibodies to ward off invading bacteria.

Zinc

Beans, nuts, grains, lean pork, seafood, mushrooms, egg yolks, and radishes contain high levels of zinc. This trace element in body tissues promotes cell division and protein synthesis. This process generates collagen, which accelerates wound healing, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the immune system.

Dr. Duy Tung provides step-by-step instructions for caring for open wounds. First, clean the wound with clean water or physiological saline, removing any foreign objects to prevent infection. If a foreign object is too large or deeply embedded in the skin, seek medical attention for proper treatment. Remember to wash hands thoroughly before providing first aid to the wound.

After initial treatment, if the wound is small, apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream or ointment and cover it with a clean gauze bandage. For minor abrasions, simply keep the wound exposed to air; no bandaging is necessary. Antibiotics can cause skin irritation or allergies in some individuals, so consult a doctor before use. After bandaging, clean the wound again and change the dressing whenever it gets wet or dirty.

To promote faster wound healing and minimize unsightly scars, avoid eating water spinach, chicken, sticky rice, beef, seafood (for those with seafood allergies), sweets, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Supplementing with natural essences such as sakura (cherry blossom extract), pomegranate (red pomegranate extract), p.leucotomos (fern extract), and l-glutathione can help damaged skin become brighter and smoother.

Quoc An