Benefits Of Carrying Out Wound Cleaning

By Lora Jones


Patients with several types of body injuries can greatly benefit from wound cleaning. Victims with body injuries that have not healed within the expected time frame of three to four weeks develop acute infections. The infected body injuries can be postoperative, traumatic or of unknown etiology. The victim must keenly follow the universal safety precautions, and use personal protective gear if available. Properly sanitizing the injured part and rushing to a medical facility is also imperative.

Once bleeding is controlled, the affected area is carefully sanitized using plenty of water and soap. Liquid soaps are very effective when carrying out this procedure. Rinsing of the entire depth of the cut should also be done to ensure no traces of soap remains around the affected area. Salty water is usually recommended for the rinsing process. This is because fresh water may tend to sting at times.In addition, salty water can be used to clean an infected eye. Salty water is therefore a vital component of a first aid kit.

Maintaining a clean cut is equally essential as cleaning it. If a gash seems dirty or contaminated after it has been cleaned and dressed, it is advisable to get rid of the dressing and clean it again. Maintaining a clean cut is the best way to avoid any form of infection. Opening and operating on open laceration can sometimes trigger bleeding. The bleeding, though minor, can lead to further infection. It can, however, be easily controlled through the application of direct pressure using a clean and sterile dressing.

A cut must be extremely clean and dry before being dressed. A visibly contaminated gash should not be dressed. In case one cannot get a cut clean, it is advisable to leave it open and seek further medical attention. An antiseptic ointment should be dabbed on the affected area to keep germs away after bleeding has stopped. It should be then covered with an adhesive dressing. In case body hair gets in contact with an adhesive dressing, wrap the edge loosely with broad roller gauze. Dressing should be changed every twelve hours.

For incisions and lacerations, the edges of cut should be pulled together, and then butterfly enclosures used to hold them. Antiseptic ointment is then applied over the butterfly enclosures and a bandage used to cover the entire area. Butterfly enclosures are particularly not advisable for superficial wounds that are not deep enough to see the subcutaneous tissue.

If a cut starts to bleed unexpectedly, prescribed steps should be followed to control it. If bleeding does not stop, the patient must seek medical attention from a health facility. In case the victim gets dizzy, weak or pale, emergency department must be called, and treatment of shock administered.

Antiseptic ointment should be then applied over the entire enclosure before it is totally covered with a bandage. In case bleeding does not stop, it is recommended to seek medical attention. However, the patient must ensure the affected area is shielded from external forces that can hit it and cause fresh injuries.

Wound cleaning, therefore, play an significant role in preventing infections which is the most common complication of an open injury. In case a victim experiences fever, swelling around the wound, numbness and red streaks around the wound, it is advisable to seek urgent medical attention. Proper care for injuries is, therefore, extremely significant for all patients.




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