Blood vessels are like roads that lead ‘to
and fro’ the damaged wound sites. The body sends workers and supplies to
repair the damaged site by these blood vessels. Further adequate oxygen
(carried by red blood cells) cannot reach the wound site and good
oxygenation is required for proper functioning of all cells. If blood supply to
the wound area is decreased from any reason then the ‘worker cells and
specialist cells’ as well as nutrients and repair materials cannot easily reach
the wound to begin the process of repair and healing effectively.
Smoking hampers wound healing and in fact the
use of tobacco in any form must be avoided. This is because use of tobacco
releases nicotine which in turn causes the blood vessels to contract
(vasoconstriction) and reduce the blood flow to the wound. Similarly it
also increases the platelet adherence (blood cells that stick together or clump
together) which again diminishes the blood flow; all of which will lead to poor
wound healing. To quit smoking suddenly may be difficult, but one could drastically
reduce the frequency of smoking, or at least stop smoking during the time your
wound needs to heal.
