What is the best way to care for a wound?

Caring for a wound is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are the steps for caring for a wound.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the wound. Use a clean cloth or gauze to apply gentle pressure to the wound. Bleeding usually stops within a few minutes. Rinse the wound with clean, lukewarm running water to remove dirt and foreign objects.

Apply an antiseptic solution (such as povidone iodine or chlorhexidine) to disinfect the wound. Cover the wound with a sterile gauze or bandage to prevent contamination.

You should seek medical attention if the wound is deep. Large wounds may require stitches or medical attention. If there is dirt or foreign objects in the wound that you cannot remove, also seek medical attention. Redness, swelling, pus formation, increased pain, or fever may be signs of infection.

Seek medical attention if these symptoms occur. Animal or human bites and wounds that may require stitches should always be evaluated by a doctor. Burns also require specialized care.

Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes/

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-05 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024