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Wound Care
Wound care is important to tend to as a way of minimizing complications, like infections, and scarring. Knowledge of basic first aid will let you take care of most wounds, and give you the understanding of when medical attention is needed. And don't forget your tetnus booster!
A wound is any break in the skin, from minor to severe. An injury such as a cut, gash, or scrape needs proper wound care to help keep them from becoming infected and to help them heal quickly with as little scarring as possible. Each wound is treated differently, depending upon how severe it is and how they occurred, which is why it is important to learn more about wound care, so that you will be prepared. Whether the wound is inflicted upon you or a family member, having the proper information can go a long way to helping you be more comfortable in taking care of the wound.
If the wound is minor, then you can treat it very easily. If the wound is bleeding, apply direct pressure to help stop the bleeding. Remove all dirt and debris from the wound by holding it under running water or dabbing it with a clean cloth. Then you will want to cleanse the wound four times daily with soap and water for a couple of days. Between cleanings, cover the area with a sterile bandage. If you have not had a tetanus shot in the last five years, get a booster shot.
There are some times when wounds need medical care. If the wound is from a bite, if it is longer than ½-inch, or is deep and you can see fat and other tissues, you need medical attention. If bleeding doesn't stop after you apply pressure for 10 minutes, you need to visit the doctor. If the area around the wound becomes red, swollen, and/or has yellow pus coming from it, you may need an antibiotic. If you see dirt and debris in the wound and are not able to remove it, a visit the doctor to clean the wound properly will prevent infection.
In some cases, it may be necessary to visit the nearest hospital emergency room. If the wound is an obvious life-threatening one, if it is spurting blood, if the bleeding cannot be stopped, or if it is longer than 1/2 inch and you see fat and other tissues, then you need to get medical attention. When in doubt it is best to visit the doctor, because sutures cannot be used after 8-12 hours. If the injury is to the hand or foot and you cannot move your fingers or toes easily, then medical attention may be necessary as well.
Wound care is very important to keep your wound from getting infected and to help minimize scarring. By gaining knowledge about proper wound care, you can take care of yourself and your family to keep them safe and healthy.
