What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Home Remedies for Healing Sores
According to the Mayo Clinic website, most sores don't necessitate an emergency room trip, but you should be diligent in treating the wound to prevent complications such as infection. Take precautionary measures by stopping the bleeding, cleaning the area of the sore, using an antibiotic, covering the sore, changing the bandages and watching for infection. Stay up-to-date on your tetanus shots. If the sore gets worse, see your doctor.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Ointment
Over-the-counter ointments may assist in healing your sore, cut or wound. According to the Mother Nature website, James J. Leyden, M.D., found that over-the-counter products containing certain ingredients worked better than others. Read the label and look for polymyxin, bacitracin, merbromin, benzalkonium chloride, camphor or phenol. Stop the bleeding before doing anything else. Elevate the sore and apply gentle pressure. If it doesn't stop, you may apply ice to help control the bleeding and decrease swelling to the area. You may also try sprinkling a small amount of turmeric to the cut to stop the bleeding if the ice doesn't work. Clean the sore, apply the ointment and cover it with a bandage or gauze. Keep a supply of ointment on hand in case of emergencies. If the wound doesn't get better, you may need to visit your doctor. Check the dates on the ointments annually, dispose of any products that have expired and replace them with new ones.
- Over-the-counter ointments may assist in healing your sore, cut or wound.
- You may also try sprinkling a small amount of turmeric to the cut to stop the bleeding if the ice doesn't work.
Sugar
Neosporin for Scar Removal
Learn More
According to orthopedic surgeon Richard Knutson, M.D., at the Delta Medical Center in Mississippi, a mixture of tamed iodine and sugar can help to heal cuts and sores. Dr. Knutson claims that the sugar prevents the growth of bacteria and enables wounds to heal quickly and without scabbing. He recommends mixing 5 oz. of sugar with 1/2 oz. of Betadine solution and 1.5 oz. of Betadine ointment for a topical application. Cover the sore with this ointment and carefully place gauze over it. Rinse the area with water and hydrogen peroxide four times per day and repeat the solution application. If the sore appears to get worse, see your doctor.
- According to orthopedic surgeon Richard Knutson, M.D., at the Delta Medical Center in Mississippi, a mixture of tamed iodine and sugar can help to heal cuts and sores.
- If the sore appears to get worse, see your doctor.
Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobials that help to heal wounds, according to the Home Remedies website 2. Once the bleeding has stopped, mince a garlic clove and mix it with a small amount of water, making a paste. Apply it to a clean sore or wound. Keep it on for up to 15 minutes then rinse it with clear, cool water. If you leave garlic on the sore longer than that, you may burn the skin. Contact your doctor if the sore gets worse or doesn't appear to be healing.
- Garlic has antimicrobials that help to heal wounds, according to the Home Remedies website 2.
- If you leave garlic on the sore longer than that, you may burn the skin.
Related Articles
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Debby Mayne started writing professionally in 1992. Her work has appeared in regional parenting magazines and she has been managing editor of the magazine, "Coping with Cancer." She was also fashion product information writer for HSN. During college, Mayne worked as an instructor at a fitness center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in health, PE and recreation from the University of Southern Mississippi.