What is the initial phase of wound healing called?

The initial phase of wound healing is referred to as the inflammatory phase. This phase is crucial for the healing process as it sets the stage for subsequent healing stages. During the inflammatory phase, the body responds to tissue damage by initiating a complex biological response. This includes the activation of the immune system, which helps to prevent infection and begin the repair process.

In this phase, blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss, followed by dilation to allow an influx of essential cells and nutrients to the damaged area. White blood cells, particularly neutrophils and macrophages, play a vital role in removing debris, bacteria, and dead cells, thereby creating a clean environment for healing. The inflammatory phase typically lasts for a few days, paving the way for the proliferation phase where tissue formation and repair take place.

The other phases of wound healing, such as the proliferative phase, maturation phase, and regenerative phase, occur after the inflammatory phase and involve different biological processes related to tissue rebuilding and strengthening. Understanding the inflammatory phase is essential for anyone studying wound care, as it is a key foundation for effective healing.