Many trace elements are needed by the body in relatively small amounts. However, they achieve great things. Increasingly taking into account our industrially processed foods, chronic zinc deficiency is common. In addition, it has numerous effects, due to which zinc deficiency is often one of the causes of skin diseases such as slow wound healing.
Among many other tasks, zinc also takes care of cell formation, cell division and cell metabolism. These fundamentally important properties affect the health and growth of the skin. Without zinc, wound healing could not be so quick and successful. The fact is that this is one of the reasons why you should take enough of this important trace element with food every day.
The body cannot store any zinc stores. The normal intake is 15 milligrams per day. If the requirement increases – for example due to certain diseases, diet, lack of appetite and reduced zinc intake in old age, as well as during pregnancy – zinc intake will need to be increased. Even athletes, people who regularly consume alcohol, or women who take estrogen preparation should be aware of impaired wound healing due to reduced zinc intake. As each of us can see, many sections of the population are potentially affected by zinc deficiency and its consequences for wound healing.
You can usually get enough zinc from beef or sea fish, oatmeal and cheese, eggs and whole grains, nuts and pumpkin seeds. However, foods rich in zinc – oysters – are not for everyone. Sufficient zinc is essential for wound healing. In the form of zinc ointment dressings, this trace element can affect wounds on the skin. However, it is important that the lesions on the skin to which it is delivered are not infected with bacteria or are wet. The zinc ointment dressing is useful for red, itchy or painful skin areas. Zinc dressing improves the healing of superficial wounds, minor burns, rashes, ulcers, diaper rashes, insect bites or ulcers of the lower leg.
It can also initiate the healing of herpes or form new skin tissue. Food additives are usually used for internal use, and these forms are easy to use. The use of zinc supplements is always appropriate when it comes to fresh surgical wounds, bites, deeper cuts or wet wounds.
Wound healing disorders are mostly observed in old age. They can also be the result of certain medical conditions such as diabetes, certain medications or persistent problems with inflammation. Oral intake of zinc, through food supplements, is especially important here.
22 mg zinc per 100 g oysters
8.4 mg zinc per 100 g beef liver
6.1 mg zinc per 100 g pumpkin seeds
With a varied and whole-grain diet that supplies enough zinc, you don’t have to worry about wound healing disorders. At the same time, anyone who is recognized as a risk group for diabetes, kidney or liver disease can get zinc levels measured by a family doctor. If there are obvious wound healing disorders, it is good to do a health consultation.
