Mastering Wound Care: Essential Tips and Advice from Cederroth
In the aftermath of an injury, knowing how to properly clean and care for a wound is crucial to prevent infection. Here, we offer some practical advice and tips for effective wound care.
Immediately upon sustaining a wound, wash away any dirt, splinters, shards of glass, and other debris that may have entered the wound. Cleanse the wound using liquid soap or a specialised wound cleanser, including the area surrounding the wound, to eliminate any bacteria that could cause infection. Dry the skin around the wound using a clean compress or a cotton wool pad.
Important! Do not attempt to clean large, extremely dirty wounds, bite wounds or burns yourself. Cover the wound with a protective bandage that stops the bleeding and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health centre or hospital.
Handling Minor and Deep Cuts
Minor Cuts: After washing and cleaning the wound, press the edges together. Elevate the injured site and apply pressure with a clean compress or cotton wool pad until the bleeding ceases. Attach a plaster on one side of the wound and stretch it over the wound to pull the edges together. If needed, surgical tape can also be used. Leave the plaster/tape on for a few days to allow the wound to heal.
Deep Cuts: Deep wounds, especially on hands, always require medical attention. A deep cut must be stitched within 6 hours. If the cut is close to a joint or tendon, ensure you can move all finger joints. If movement is severely painful or impossible, seek medical attention immediately.
Treating Large Wounds and Bleeding Wounds
Large Wounds: For wounds too large for a plaster, use one or more compresses over the wound, secured with surgical or fabric tape. A gauze bandage can offer additional support if needed.
Large Bleeding Wounds: Spraying or pulsating bleeding indicates a major artery injury. Have the injured person lie down and elevate the wounded body part. Use a tourniquet, a first aid dressing, or a tightly rolled length of cotton over the wound to stop the bleeding. Wrap an elasticated gauze bandage around the tourniquet, but avoid applying it too tightly. If bleeding continues, apply pressure on the dressing with your hand. It's crucial to halt the bleeding and promptly head to a health centre or hospital. Dial 112 for assistance.
The Healing Process and the Importance of Moist Wounds
Recent studies show that wounds heal faster in a moist environment, where new cells form more quickly, reducing the risk of scar formation and infection. However, additional care is required when cleaning the wound, and plasters should never be applied to an infected wound.
The human body employs several ingenious methods to repair cuts and sores. The release of fibrinogen from blood cells, which is converted into fibrin to form a 'mesh' over the wound, halts the bleeding. This mesh traps blood platelets and red blood cells, which coagulate into a natural plug – a scab. White blood cells rush to the wound site to combat bacteria, causing slight redness or inflammation around the wound site.
If minor signs of infection appear around a minor wound, use a wound cleanser for treatment. However, if excessive bacteria or particularly aggressive bacteria are present, the skin may become markedly red, swollen and tender. The wound may begin to weep, and a pustule may form. Red marks around the local lymph glands, swollen and tender lymph glands, and/or fever are serious signs that the infection has spread. In such cases, it's crucial to seek medical attention at your nearest health centre or hospital.
Final Thoughts on Wound Care
Understanding the basics of wound care is an essential aspect of first aid. Whether you're dealing with minor cuts or larger, more severe wounds, having the knowledge and the right tools at your disposal, such as the Cederroth First Aid Kits, can make all the difference. Remember, when in doubt, always seek professional medical attention.