Proper Wound Care: What to Steer Clear of When Treating Wounds

wound

Wound care is a delicate process; treating it improperly can lead to further complications. Understanding the basics of scar and wound care can go a long way toward maintaining a healthy wound and preventing further aggravation. Here are some common wound and scar care mistakes you should avoid to properly treat a wound and prevent them from becoming further aggravated.

  • “Airing Out” the Wound

  • Skin hydration is important for keeping skin healthy and strong. Damaging the skin's outer layers can disrupt its natural ability to stay hydrated, making it harder for wounds to heal. To promote healing, it's important to keep a wound clean and moist. This allows oxygen to get to the wound in manageable amounts so new tissue can form and cells can develop.

  • Applying Saline to Open Wounds

  • Using saline to clean or rinse open wounds is often done incorrectly. If done without taking the necessary precautions, the saline solution can potentially damage the cells and irritate the wound. To avoid this, be sure to use the right amount of saline with the right concentration.

  • Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Treat Wounds

  • It is a common misconception that hydrogen peroxide is good for healing wounds. This is not the case; in fact, the opposite is true. Hydrogen peroxide actually kills healthy skin cells, further damaging the wound and functioning as an irritant to the delicate tissue. It is best to avoid the use of this type of treatment when it comes to caring for wounds.

  • Using Ointments and Antiseptics on Open Wounds

  • It is a common mistake for people to apply ointments and antiseptics to open wounds without consulting a healthcare professional first. This can cause further inflammation and cause the wound to heal improperly due to the introduction of additional bacteria or foreign substances. It is best to avoid using these kinds of treatments unless advised by a healthcare professional.

  • Using Gauze or Tape for Wound Care

  • Covering a wound with gauze or tape is not advisable, as this can cause additional trauma to the surrounding tissue. Instead, it is best to minimize the amount of dressing material used and offer adequate breathing room for the wound to heal.

  • Neglecting to Change Dressings

  • Wound dressings can become stiff and inhibit healing if not changed regularly enough. Additionally, leaving a wound dressing on for too long can cause an accumulation of bacteria and lead to an infection. It is best to follow the advice of a healthcare professional and change the dressing according to their instruction.

    Why You Need Proper Scar Care Treatment

    Proper scar care is important as improper treatments may aggravate wounds, causing further irritation or injury. Certain ointments and other treatments may contain too harsh ingredients for the delicate skin around a wound or scar. Some of these treatments may also cause infections, as they may not properly provide adequate hydration or cover the wound. To avoid further problems, it is important to choose scar treatments specifically designed for healing wounds and approved by a physician.

    Conclusion

    These are some of the common wound care mistakes you should avoid in order to treat and heal a wound properly. Wound care requires special attention and should be taken seriously to avoid further damage. Seeking medical attention if the wound does not appear to be healing or appears to be infected is important to ensure that the wound heals properly.

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