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.

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.

Sugar

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.

Garlic

Garlic has antimicrobials that help to heal wounds, according to the Home Remedies website. 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.