When there are any cuts, scrapes or any type of injuries occur, our body immediately starts to repair and heal the wound. These types of minor injuries can be cured at home safely but when it comes to animal bites or deeper cuts that bleed excessively, home wound care is not recommended. Wounds with drainage or foul odor require advanced medical care & attention to accelerate tissue repair.
This blog will give you information about the do’s and don’ts of wound care at home. Here are a few things that can be done at home to avoid infections and harmful microorganisms:
Do’s of Wound Care At Home
- Disinfect the wound by running continuous water on it.
- Clean the wound site thoroughly using a mild soap and gently pat dry.
- Apply petroleum jelly on the exposed skin to keep the wound protected and moisturized. It speeds up wound healing.
- Small cuts or scrapes can leave uncovered.
- Observe the wound's appearance to see any signs of infections such as swelling, foul discharge, redness, pain, and tenderness.
- In case of large, exposed wounds, it is recommended to cover them with a gauze pad and avoid dirt & bacteria.
- Clean the wound regularly and keep it dry.
Don’ts of Wound Care At Home
- You should not apply topical antibiotics without consulting wound care treatment California.
- Don't apply antiseptics like iodine or hydrogen peroxide on a minor wound. It can be harmful to the skin and disrupt wound healing
- Don’t pick, scratch, or rub the wound site.
- Don’t use harsh soap, body lotion, or other cosmetic products directly on wounds.
Stages of Wound Healing:
It is essential to understand the stages of wound healing through our body’s natural healing process. Take a look:
- The body activates its repairing system to stop the bleeding first ie. blood clotting. And a scab begins to form.
- White blood cells enter the wound to destroy bacteria and remove debris. It creates a wound bed for the growth of healthy tissues.
- Red blood cells fill the wound bed with connective tissue.
- New tissue begins to develop and the wound edges come together.
- Formation of a scar
To promote wound healing, proper wound care is essential. It generally depends on the type of injury, its size, location, and severity of wounds.
When to See Your Doctor?
Now you know some of the do’s and don’ts of wound care at home. It is also essential to know what types of wounds cannot be treated at home. Here is the list:
- Any type of chronic wound such as Venous Ulceration. These ulcers require a venous ulcer specialist.
- A wound due to an animal bite.
- Deep cuts or wound
- There are signs of wound infection etc.
If a patient sees any signs of infections, they should immediately call wound care treatment California. The professional wound care team visits the location. They determine the wound situation and come up with a customized treatment plan focused on effective wound healing.
