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black skin wound healing
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #14813
45 days ago
62

black skin wound healing - #14813

Kavya

I am feeling a bit worried about something that's been going on with my skin. A few weeks agoo, I got this cut on my knee while playing soccer. At first, I thought, no big deal, just a scrape. But man, it seems like this black skin wound healing process is taking ages. It’s super frustrating because I know that healing can vary but I keep reading that black skin wound healing might be different, you know? The wound looks dark and it feels like it’s not closing up as it should. Do I need to use a special ointment or something? Like, I’m trying to keep it clean, so I’ve been washing it gently, but it's still kind of raw and I feel like nobody really talks about how black skin wound healing can be helped. Should I be concerned about scarring too? I heard sometimes we have more pigmentation issues. Like, should I be using sunscreen on it even though it's not totally healed yet? Just to be safe? Also, are there any tips specific to black skin wound healing that I could try, or is it just about time? Ugh, I’m just really wishing the whole black skin wound healing cycle would hurry up already! Any advice would be super appreciated.

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Doctors’ responses

Wound healing in black skin can sometimes have unique characteristics, but the fundamental principles of care remain the same. It’s not unusual for healing in darker skin types to sometimes appear slower, particularly since hyperpigmentation might occur, making the wound look darker, even if it’s healing well. First, keep doing what you’re doing in terms of gentle cleaning—use mild soap and water and then pat dry. Applying a thin layer of an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment can help reduce the risk of infection, which is crucial for healing. As for sunlight, you’re right to think about sunscreen. Even though the area isn’t completely healed, some types of dressings or clothing can help provide shade, while once it’s epithialised a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is beneficial to prevent hyperpigmentation. Regarding scarring and pigmentation issues, consider a scar treatment product with silicone gel sheets or creams post-healing to help with this. Hydration is also important, so use a moisturizer to keep the skin around the wound supple. If you notice signs of infection like increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. But otherwise, with persistent proper care, most wounds will eventually heal. If the healing seems unusually prolonged, or if there are other unusual symptoms, reach out to a medical provider for personalized advice.

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