It seems like I don’t heal as fast as I used to. I caught an elbow three or four months ago while playing basketball, and the cut over my eye is still visible. Does your skin heal more slowly as you get older? Are there any foods or vitamins/minerals that aid in healing?
Yes, it takes a cut to heal longer as you grow older, but it is not that evident. It’s not like when you’re five a cut will heal in a day and when you’re 10 the cut will heal in a week. If you’re not an adult, you heal the fastest. By the time you’re in your 50s, your body is pretty weak and therefore it takes longer to heal. Cells age and I think that cells replicate less as you grow older. Your cut is still visible around your eye because most cuts and scrapes heal with scabs, which lead to scars.
Please get yourself tested for diabetes, if you haven’t done so recently. Diabetics are slow to heal. There may be other diseases that impede healing, but I’m a diabetic, so that springs to MY mind immediately.
I had to visit the wound care center for post-op infections about a month ago. I was told to make sure that I got plenty of protein, vitamin A, and another vitamin (C or D, I think, can’t remember). At any rate, taking a multivitamin will ensure that you get enough to help you heal. Most American diets are too heavy in protein, so you probably don’t have a problem there.
I am NOT a doctor, and have had no formal medical training. So my advice might be worthless, except for the bit about getting checked for diabetes. PLEASE get yourself checked for diabetes, you have one of the warning signs.