Why is skin red after it heals?
Have you ever wondered why your skin turns red after it heals? You’re not alone. This strange phenomenon has puzzled people for ages, and there are many theories as to why it happens. In this article, we explore the science behind the redness of healing skin.
Anatomy of Skin
Before we dive into the question at hand, let’s first talk about what our skin actually is made up of.
The human skin has three main layers:
- Epidermis
- Outermost layer
- Provides protection against foreign substances that can harm your body
- Dermis
- Middle layer
- Contains hair follicles and sweat glands which produce sweat to cool down your body in hot temperatures
- Hypodermis
- The bottom-most layer which acts as an insulator for our internal organs
Understanding Wound Healing Process
When a wound occurs on any part of our body, the healing process immediately begins with four different stages:
- Hemostasis Stage – Bleeding Stops – An immediate blood clotting reaction initiates from platelets released by damaged endothelial cells.
- Inflammation Stage – An influx of immune cells help clear out debris from dead tissue while also fighting off infection within wounds through protecting reactions like pus excretion or reddening occurring via flushing growth factors to speed up regeneration triggers repair and renewal processes necessary such as fibroblast formation starts; thus speeding re-epithelialization .
- Proliferative Stage – A new tissue composed generally connective tissues comprising smooth muscles primarily collagen fibers replaces granulation tissue/stromal support structure forming scar where needed most extensively would be injury areas having suffered heavily replaced further afterwards based on bodily needs meaning if left untreated could cause necrosis(inavital condition due insufficient oxygen).
- Maturation & Remodeling stage – Following up after scar formation, collagen fibers will start realigning so they can be appropriately used for the healing purpose.
The Role of Inflammation
One of the most important stages during wound healing is inflammation. Without it, the natural response for tissue repair would not be triggered in our body.
During injury and hemostasis stage, white blood cells called Neutrophils are dispatched to cleanup dead cells and invading bacteria on affected areas while releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β1 , TNF-α) causes vascular angiogenesis induced growth factors infuse into wounded area stimulating capillaries’ dilation locally where required allowing influx immune proteins as well nutrient rich materials .
As a result our skin takes on red colour post-healing due to an increase in microcirculation which supplies up nutrients like amino acids assisting oxygen transportation system enabling quicker metabolism speeds effectiveness other different chemical reactions occurring beneath epidermis layer also creating Rosy skin hue signaling recovery has started.
Why Does Skin Itch After Healing?
Another interesting phenomenon that often accompanies skin healing is itchiness. This sensation can occur both during and after wound healing process accompanied by scabbing causing discomfort.
Itching results from prostaglandin E2 activation receptor nociireception nociceptor being activated subsequently resulting in the generation of itching feeling with nerves via interruptive signals sent utilizing transmitters located within neurocutaneous connections embedded throughout various layers under dermal sheets those who have extensive epithelial damage may experience unbearable itch stimuli through scratch reflexes. They might even cause more scratching leading to severe redness after recovery apparent prolonged term among populations susceptible based on personal traits/ systemic disorders/ psyche.
Conclusion
Skin is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable organs we have when it comes to performing protective functions against unfavourable external factors affecting us adversely.Therefore its importance can’t be overstated.Why non-feasible conditions causing negative effects upon it is a topic of interest for anyone wishing to care about their health.Besides focusing on external treatment, one shouldn’t overlook paying attention internally so that collagen production ,enzymatic reactions and taking important minerals & vitamins can continue undisturbed .Remember – our skin deserves some love too.