SIGNIFICANCE OF CLEANING AND PROTECTING WOUND FOR BETTER HEALING

Significance Of Cleaning And Protecting Wound For Better Healing

Significance Of Cleaning And Protecting Wound For Better Healing

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Whether you are just walking or playing sports, injuries can happen anytime and anywhere. If not received immediate attention, wounds can be painful and lead to severe complications. This can be a high risk among patients with diabetes and other health conditions. 

No wonder why healthcare professionals recommended all to keep a first-aid dressing kit in stock. Wondering how to heal wounds faster? What can be done for faster recovery? Well, here is everything you need to know. 

Why is Wound Cleansing and Protecting Important?


Ever wondered why everyone from families and schools to clinics keeps a first-aid dressing kit handy? Wondering if wound cleansing and protection are that important? Well, the answer is simple yes. When the skin is wounded, it damages the protective skin barrier. As a result, it allows bacteria and debris to enter the body. 

When left untreated, this causes a wound infection. Delaying the healing process can cause more damage to the skin. If the infection is not treated right away, it could spread to deeper tissue and cause a more serious illness. For this reason, making sure the wound is clean and cleansed is the first step towards the best possible healing. 

Which Wounds Require Cleaning and Protection?


Regardless of the severity, no injury should be left untreated. Wounds of any size will heal quickly if they are initially clean of debris, bacteria and other visible particles. Some of the common types of wounds are:

  • Open or Closed 

  • Penetrating or Non-penetrating

  • Clean or Contaminated

  • Internal or External


Despite where the wound is located or the type of wound it is, one must always be prepared to take care of it using appropriate medical supplies. To avoid major complications, some of the acute wounds that require cleansing are:


    • Abrasions 

    • Burns

    • Open blisters

    • Cuts



Be it at home or school, make sure you always have a well-stocked first-aid dressing kit. It is also recommended to do regular cleaning to manage and heal wounds. 

What Happens When a Wound is Left Untreated?


People often don't consider a minor open wound to be a big deal. Do you also think that it will most likely heal itself? Well, not always. No matter how small, untreated wounds can result in various complications. Some of the complications that may occur due to untreated wounds are:

  • The most common issue is a localised infection, which occurs when germs enter the untreated wound, settle there and start growing. 

  • Systemic infection occurs when a localised infection is left untreated and spreads throughout the body via the blood vessels.


If chronic wounds like diabetes-related ulcers and pressure sores are not properly treated, they may get worse. Your muscles, tendons or even the bone itself may be exposed as they deepen. In extreme situations, amputation- the surgical excision of all or a portion of a limb may be required to preserve your life. 

In some cases, your chances of having another amputation may rise after having one. So next time when you think your wound will in itself, remember a minor infection can become a major issue. 

How to Take Care of Wounds at Home?


Caring for many wounds begins at home and you can take action to accelerate the healing process. However, it is crucial to keep an eye on symptoms to see whether more extensive care is required. If yes, then seek medical attention immediately without any delays. Furthermore, to help you take care of your wounds at home, here are some simple steps to follow:

Clean the Wound


For any wound, it is crucial to avoid infections that could have major negative health effects. This is where the first step- maintaining cleanliness comes in. To clean the wound, wash the area surrounding the wound carefully using water and mild soap. 

Make sure your wound is free of any debris and dirt. Doing this lowers the possibility of complications and helps establish a secure healing environment. Besides, make sure not to use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. They can irritate delicate tissues, especially when used excessively. 

 


  • Avoid the Dressing Get Wet


     


 

Another step to wound cleansing is to keep the dressing dry. Make sure to change your wound using dressing pads daily to avoid getting them wet. Keep changing unless your healthcare practitioner instructs you. When excessive drainage comes into contact with the wound, it results in infection. 

Dressings regularly can help prevent this and keep your wound safe. If it gets too wet, the dressing should be replaced. Remember, it is not safe to leave wounds open as this exposes them to dust, infection and dryness. All of this, as a result, can delay the healing process. 

 


  • Cover Your Wound 


     


 

Another important step in taking care of a wound at home is to keep it covered. Covering the wound with appropriate dressing pads acts as a shield from debris, germs and additional injury. A clean bandage encourages healing while also helping keep the wound dry. 

Additionally, it also maintains the body at the ideal temperature for healing. Keeping the wound covered is crucial also because it acts as a barrier against friction. If you lack the knowledge or are not confident about do-it-yourself, a wise decision would be to rely on a healthcare practitioner. 

What are the Most Commonly Used Wound Dressings?


Here are some of the most commonly used wound dressings:

 

  • Gauze dressings

  • Non-adherent dressings 

  • Hydrocolloid dressings

  • Foam dressings 

  • Silver dressings

  • Collagen dressings

  • Alginate dressings

  • Transparent film dressings

  • Hydrogel dressings

  • Composites dressings


 

A Step Towards Path to Healing


At MedGuard, we understand how complicated an untreated wound can get. Keeping this in mind, we make sure no one is left behind when it comes to taking care of their wounds. Be it any wound, we have a wide range of medical supplies from first aid kits to wound compress dressing pads and more. Each comes from premium quality and ensures durability. For any queries or personalised guidance, seek help and advice from our professionals.

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