Proper Wound Care: DOs and DON’Ts for Optimal Healing

Introduction 

Wound Care is something we all need to think about, whether it’s dealing with a little cut from a DIY project at home, a tumble outdoors, or a surgical procedure. As the body ages, the skin wounds become more frequent. It’s time to understand the advantages of wound care for optimal healing. This article offers expert-approved advice to help you manage different types of wounds properly. We’ll also cover the do’s and don’ts of integrated wound care, so you can make sure those wounds get the right attention and heal up faster.

Understanding Wound Types

Before addressing a wound, it’s crucial to grasp the kind of wound you’re dealing with. Different wounds come with their unique features and potential causes. Here are some examples:

• Scrapes: Scrapes occur when your skin rubs or slides against a rough surface, like scraping your knee or experiencing road rash. Although scrapes seldom result in significant bleeding, it’s essential to cleanse the wound and remove any debris to prevent infection.
• Lacerations: Lacerations are deep tears or cuts in the skin, often brought about by accidents or involvement with sharp tools, machinery, or other pointed objects. This type of wound can lead to substantial bleeding.
• Cuts: which typically result from sharp objects, can vary in depth and may also cause risks of bleeding and infection.
• Puncture Wounds: Puncture wounds are small holes in soft tissue. They can be caused by objects like wood splinters or needles piercing the skin, usually affecting only the outer layer of tissue. However, a knife or gunshot wound may damage deep muscles and internal organs, potentially leading to significant bleeding.
• Burns: Burns result from contact with hot liquids, flames, or heated surfaces. Burns are classified into different degrees and require specific treatment methods.
• Animal Bites: Wounds caused by animal bites or attacks may involve ruptured skin and tissues. Treating animal bites demands special attention due to the risk of infection.

Basic Principles of Wound Care

In daily life, most minor wounds can be managed with self-care by following these basic principles:

• Clean the Wound:

Wash Hands: Before tending to the wound, thoroughly wash your hands and wear a pair of powder-free vinyl or nitrile gloves.

Rinse the Wound: Use lukewarm water to thoroughly rinse the wound. Avoid hot water and consider mild soap for cleaning, but it’s not suitable for those with sensitive skin. (Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they can further damage the skin.)

• Stop Bleeding:
• Minor wounds usually stop bleeding on their own. For more severe wounds, maintain an elevated position of the wound and gently apply pressure with a clean, non-irritating cloth.

• Keep It Moist: Maintain a moist environment with the use of petroleum jelly or other appropriate skin care products. A moist environment promotes wound healing and reduces scar formation. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or wound care cream, then gently cover the wound.

• Cover the Wound:

For small wounds, adhesive bandages or other small wound patches are a good option as they effectively protect the wound from bacterial infection and external contaminants. Ensure the skin around the wound is clean, then gently apply the bandage. For shallow cuts, lacerations, or tears that bandages can’t address, you can consider using a suture-free laceration kit, readily available in the market. They are safe, easy to use, and promote proper healing. However, for skin sensitive to adhesives, you can secure a gauze around the wound and fasten it with paper tape.

In the case of burns:

Immediately, gently flush the affected area with cool water for 15-30 minutes, depending on the situation. Cool water helps reduce the temperature of the burn and alleviates pain without stimulating the wound. Do not use ice water.

• Then, gently cover the injured area with clean gauze, avoiding adhesive materials.
• Do not pop blisters.
• Seek immediate medical attention for severe burns or large affected areas.

When to see your doctor

• Animal Bites: Animal bites may necessitate a rabies vaccine injection.
• Foreign Object Residue: If the wound contains a significant amount of foreign object residue, like broken glass, splinters, or metal fragments, and it’s deep, avoid attempting to remove them yourself to prevent further injury.
• Facial Wounds: Facial wounds may require special care to minimize scarring and maintain appearance.
• Cuts from Rusty or Dirty Objects: If you’ve been cut or punctured by a rusty or dirty object, you may need a tetanus shot.
• Wounds Deeper than 1/4 Inch: For deeper or more severe wounds, such as those deeper than 1/4 inch, you can consider using sterile wound closure laceration kit if applying pressure for five minutes stops the bleeding. These devices are safer and easier to use than adhesive glue. If applying pressure for five minutes doesn’t stop the bleeding, you can promptly close the wound with a laceration kit and continue to apply gauze for hemostasis, then seek professional medical care for further treatment.
• Signs of Infection: If you notice the wound becoming red, swollen, oozing pus, experiencing fever, or severe pain, these may be signs of an infection. When these occur, seek immediate medical attention.

In addition to the basic wound care principles, it’s crucial to pay special attention to these specific situations and complications. Seek immediate medical attention for the best wound care when they arise

DOs – Wound Healing Timelines

Understanding the healing timelines for different wound types can help you better manage wounds and take preventive measures. Keep in mind that individual health conditions may lead to variations in healing time. Here’s a general healing timeline for common wound types:

By following this guideline, you can better manage wounds and understand the expected healing timeframes.

DOs – Practices to Promote Wound Healing

When it comes to wound healing, there are key practices that can facilitate the process:

• Maintain Adequate Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial as water helps maintain the body’s physiological balance, promoting cellular repair and tissue regeneration.
• Ensure Sufficient Protein Intake: Consume an adequate amount of protein daily as it’s a key component required for building new tissue.
• Obtain Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Especially focus on vitamin C and zinc as they aid in wound healing and reduce scar formation.
• Consider Keeping Wounds Uncovered: Small wounds and scrapes may not require covering, but it’s generally necessary to keep them moist to accelerate the healing process.
• Allow Wounds to Breathe: While at home, remove bandages for a few hours each day to expose healing wounds to fresh air. However, re-bandage them when going outside or if there’s a risk of exposure to dirt or dust.

Following these practices can significantly contribute to the effective healing of wounds.

DON’Ts – Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

When it comes to wound care, avoiding some common mistakes and misconceptions is crucial as these errors can impact the proper healing of wounds. Here are some important “don’ts” to facilitate the correct wound healing.

1. Don’t Overuse Topical Antibiotics:

   While topical antibiotics can help prevent infection in some cases, they should not be overused. Excessive use can lead to antibiotic resistance, rendering them ineffective when needed.

2. Don’t Overuse Iodine or Hydrogen Peroxide:

   Excessive use of iodine or hydrogen peroxide can damage healthy tissue and impede wound healing. These chemicals should be used with caution, preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

3. Don’t Remove Bandages Too Early:

   Bandages provide protection and a moist environment for initial wound healing. The timing of bandage removal should be determined by a doctor or a healthcare professional; avoid removing them prematurely.

4. Don’t Whistle or Blow on Wounds:

   Whistling or blowing on wounds using your mouth or food can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
5. Don’t Forcefully Remove Embedded Objects: If there are foreign objects embedded in a wound, such as glass shards or metal fragments, do not attempt to remove them yourself. Leave this task to a healthcare professional to avoid injury and infection.

6. Don’t Over-Tighten Bandages:

   When using bandages or adhesive plasters, avoid wrapping them too tightly, as it can impede blood circulation. Proper bandaging provides protection without excessive tightness.

7. Don’t Skip Vaccinations:

   For certain wounds like animal bites or puncture wounds, vaccination may be necessary to prevent diseases. If recommended by a doctor, do not skip it.

8. Don’t Ignore Signs of Infection:

   If a wound becomes red, swollen, ooze pus, feels warm, or is extremely painful, these could be signs of infection. Do not ignore these symptoms; consult a doctor promptly for treatment.

9. Don’t Delay Seeking Medical Help:

   For more severe wounds, such as those deeper than 1/4 inch, continuously bleeding, or not closing, do not postpone seeking professional medical assistance.

10. Don’t Scratch or Pick Scabs:

    Cuts and wounds can become itchy as they heal, but it’s essential to avoid scratching or picking at them. Tearing off scabs and surrounding skin can introduce bacteria and slow down wound healing.

We strongly encourage you to follow these guidelines to ensure the prompt healing of wounds. If you encounter issues or have concerns about a wound, be sure to consult a doctor for professional advice.