Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “This is a question related to use of the pain formula you recommend. It contains the high bioavailable curcumin. I recently had a Mohs micrographic surgical procedure done on my right leg for squamous cell carcinoma. The wound is healing fine at this point, but it will obviously be months before it is healed completely. The surgeon told me that as my leg wound heals, there is inflammation taking place during the healing process–thus the reason for the tenderness around the edge of the wound. I was using the pain formula and getting AWESOME pain relief, and would like to begin using again immediately since my surgery, but since it is so good at fighting inflammation, would it inhibit the healing process of the wound on my leg? This may sound like a silly question, but I would really like to have your opinion on this. Thank you so much.” — Linda C., Bethel Park, PA

A. Dear Linda, That is not a silly question at all—in fact, I think it is a very intelligent question. You are correct that inflammation plays a role in wound healing. In fact, some anti-inflammation drugs, like steroids, actually interfere with skin healing after surgery. The difference with curcumin is that it does not wipe out inflammation like certain drugs do. It modulates or balances several inflammation and immune system pathways. There are over 50 studies listed on curcumin and wound healing on the National Insititutes of Health electronic database (PubMed). Some curcumin wound-healing activity illuminated by these studies include its ability to reduce irritation, enhance collagen formation (which the body uses as a raw material to rebuild damaged skin) and reduce skin infections. Studies show that curcumin helps wounds heal faster. Therefore, not only is it safe to take while your skin is healing, it would actually be quite beneficial.

Healthy regards!

Terry . . . Naturally