Medications which interfere with wound healing

Corticosteroids Similar to immunosuppressants, corticosteroids can suppress the immune system and slow down the wound healing process. Corticosteroids are produced naturally in the adrenal cortex and play a role in a variety of physiological functions, such as the stress and immune response. Prescription-based corticosteroids are synthetic but they mimic the effects of those naturally produced in the body.

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation related to a number of health problems including asthma, skin rashes, and lupus. NSAIDs work in conjunction with specialized enzymes that produce compounds referred to as prostaglandins. These compounds reduce swelling, pain, and fever.

Anticoagulants Anticoagulants are used to lower the chance of dangerous blood clots in people who are at risk for strokes, heart attacks, or deep vein thrombosis.

Blood clots are useful in wound healing because they create a barrier that stymies blood loss. If a person is taking an anticoagulant, the wound-healing response will be diminished due to a lack of clotting.

Clinically-proven scar care If the wound-healing response is delayed due to taking one of these kinds of medications, there may be an increased risk of scarring. While there are several options to treat scars, medical-grade silicone is usually the first-line of defense.

Topical silicone is clinically-proven to prevent and reduce the size and discoloration of keloids and hypertrophic scar formations. Abnormal scars are characterized by the buildup of collagen on the surface of the skin. Medical silicone works through the mechanisms of oxygen and hydration to reduce the collagen buildup, allowing the scar bed to blend in with the surrounding tissue.

Silicone is often used soon after a wound has fully healed. General purpose: The purpose of this learning activity is to provide information about the effects of oral medications on wound healing. Target audience: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

Identify oral medications that aid in wound healing. Recognize oral medications that interfere with wound healing. Abstract: Given the accelerated medical discoveries of recent decades, there is a surprising lack of oral medications that directly improve wound healing.