Injuries happen. Whether you’re playing a sport, working in the garden, or just taking a walk, sooner or later you’re going to get cut or scraped. And when that happens, it’s important to know how to properly the wound so that it doesn’t become infected and cause further damage. We will teach you how to properly secure small and superficial wounds using supplies that are likely already in your home. Here are six things you can do.
1. Protect The Wound From Dirt And Germs
The first step in properly caring for a wound is to make sure that it is clean and free of dirt and germs. This will help prevent infection and speed up the healing process. The best way to do this is to wash the wound with soap and water. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. You can use a 3M Healthcare Tegaderm film to cover the wound and keep it clean. Using regular bandaids can sometimes be not enough to protect the wound from further contamination. Dirt and germs can get into the wound through the bandage and cause an infection. Because of this, you need a barrier that will keep the wound clean and help it to heal faster.
2. Stop The Bleeding
Once the wound is clean, you need to stop the bleeding. This is important because it helps to prevent further tissue damage and decreases the risk of infection. The best way to stop bleeding is to apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze. If the bleeding is severe, you may need to seek medical attention. Applying pressure will help to slow down the flow of blood and eventually stop it altogether. Also, keep in mind that if the blood is coming from an artery, it will be bright red and will flow quickly. If this is the case, you should seek medical attention immediately.
3. Apply A Pressure Bandage
After the bleeding has stopped, you need to apply a pressure bandage to the wound. This will help to keep the area clean and protected while it heals. The best way to do this is to use gauze or a clean cloth. Wrap the gauze or cloth around the wound snugly but not too tightly. You don’t want to cut off circulation. Once the bandage is in place, you can tape it down with first aid tape or medical adhesive tape. Be sure to wrap the tape around all sides of the bandage to keep it secure.
4. Change The Bandage Daily
It’s important to change the bandage daily, or as needed, to keep the wound clean and dry. This will also help to prevent infection. When changing the bandage, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Remove the old bandage and dispose of it properly. Clean the wound with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Apply a new pressure bandage using clean gauze or a cloth. Be sure to wrap the bandage snugly but not too tightly. Once the bandage is in place, you can tape it down with first aid tape or medical adhesive tape.
5. Keep The Wound Moist
It’s important to keep the wound moist to speed up the healing process. This can be done by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to the bandage. Be sure to do this after you have applied the pressure bandage and before you put on the first aid tape or medical adhesive tape. You can also use an antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin if you prefer. You can also use a wound healing gel – apply the gel to the bandage after you have applied the pressure bandage and before you put on the first aid tape or medical adhesive tape.
6. Watch For Signs Of Infection
It’s important to watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. These are all signs that the wound is infected and will require treatment. Some of these infections can be life-threatening if they are not treated promptly. If the wound is more than a quarter inch deep, if it’s on the face or neck, if it’s bleeding heavily, or if you have any concerns, it’s important to seek medical attention. A doctor can clean the wound and determine if you need stitches or not. They can also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection.
It’s important to take care of small and superficial wounds as soon as possible, no matter how insignificant you think they are. Clean the wound, stop the bleeding, and apply a pressure bandage. Change the bandage daily, or as needed, and keep the wound moist to speed up the healing process. Watch for signs of infection and seek medical attention if necessary.