title: Wound healing.
abstract: In acute wounds, there is no substitute for mechanical debridement and irrigation. Enzymes are useful in some chronic wounds, but antibacterial solutions are indicated only when gross contamination or frank purulence exists. Sutures will endure as the method of choice for precise wound closure. A moist environment and topical vitamin A appear to enhance epithelialization. Deficiencies of specific vitamins and minerals affect different aspects of repair, but excess levels do not accelerate healing. The biology of exuberant scars is a mystery, but management by pressure, steroids and surgery is often successful.
mesh_terms: D002921:Cicatrix / Q000628:therapy; D003646:Debridement; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*