Simple Wound Care Tips

Wound care can be extremely simple, as long as you perform it as soon as you are hurt. The vast majority of wounds can be safely taken care of at home by following a few easy steps. However, if you or someone in your home suffers a wound that presents ongoing problems, then you need to have it examined by a doctor. If a wound becomes infected and the person experiences dizziness, weakness or fever, then he or she will need immediate medical help.

Wound Care – Cleaning

One of the most important parts of wound care is cleaning the area gently and thoroughly. Warm water must be run over the wound as soon as possible so that it can wash away any debris. Make sure the water is warm, however, not hot. Once the wound is washed, gently rub in some mild soap to clear out any debris that may remain.

Antiseptic Wound Care

The next step will be to apply an antiseptic to kill bacteria and germs. Some antiseptics such as isopropyl alcohol will cause some burning, so you may want to consider using hydrogen peroxide as an alternative. You may also want to use an antibiotic ointment before applying and bandages to provide an added defense against any potential infection.

Bandaging

After the wound has been cleaned and sterilized, use either a Band-Aid or a non-stick gauze pad to protect the wound and keep it clear of debris. In order to help increase healing time and ensure maximum efficiency, you should change the bandage once a day.

If you would like more wound care tips or you need help for a wound that will not heal properly, get in touch with DFW Wound Care. Contact us online or give us a call at 972-665-6292 (Plano) or 972-318-2383 (Lewisville) to schedule an appointment.