What would you do if you sustained an injury? For many people, it’s a thought that’s better left alone, but the reality is that injuries occur. Some can be treated with a bandage and aloe vera; others may demand more serious attention.
If you injure yourself, it’s important to clean a wound thoroughly, preventing infection and ensuring the best possible recovery. It can be intimidating at first, but even a moderate injury shouldn’t be a cause for panic.
How should you clean a wound, especially in cases of emergencies? We’ll tell you all you need to know. Keep reading for our guide on how to clean a wound the right way.
Wash Your Hands Clean
Before cleaning a wound, you must wash your hands clean. Hands covered in dirt, bacteria, or other germs can easily introduce infection to the wound. Start by washing your hands with either soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Begin washing your hands with warm water and use plenty of soap. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds, including both the backs and fronts of your hands and between your fingers. Once you are done washing, turn off the faucet and dry your hands with a clean towel. If wet, make sure the towel has been washed in hot water prior to use.
Clean the Wound
Make sure to put on gloves before touching the wound. Once the hands are clean, rinse the wound with clean or slightly salty warm water to remove dirt, debris, and germs, making sure not to scrub the wound. Afterward, use tweezers that have been soaked in antiseptic to gently remove any remaining debris.
Apply a sterile, non-sticking dressing to the wound and secure it in place. Be sure to check the dressing daily and change it as needed when it is saturated with blood or other body fluids.
It is also important to keep the wound clean and dry to help ward off infection. If the wound shows signs of infection, contact a medical professional as soon as possible. If you need help from professionals in cleaning or disinfecting a cut, you can visit https://cprcertificationnow.com/products/first-aid-for-severe-bleeding-certification or other reliable websites you can check online.
Apply Antibacterial Ointment
When selecting an ointment, opt for one that is water-based, colorless, non-staining, and contains an active antibacterial ingredient such as Bacitracin or Polymyxin-B. Remove any infectious materials from the wound, such as dirt and debris, using a gauze pad or tweezers. Pat the wound dry and then apply antibiotics.
The ointment should be spread evenly over the affected area, especially around the edges. The ointment provides a protective barrier over the wound that is moist and allows for oxygen to be drawn to the wound. This helps speed healing.
Once the ointment is applied, cover the wound with a dressing, such as a bandage. Change the dressing at least daily, especially if the wound is producing drainage.
Learning How to Clean a Wound the Right Way
It’s important to know how to clean a wound the right way. Keeping a first aid kit on hand with sterile bandages, antibacterial soap, and hydrogen peroxide is the smartest way to prevent serious infection if you are ever injured. Remember, if a wound is too deep or starts to look infected, consult a medical professional for proper treatment.
Don’t take chances with your health, start taking care of those wounds the right way!
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