Benefits Of Carrying Out Wound Cleaning

By Lora Jones


Wound cleaning and care are fascinating chemical, biological, mechanical, and systemic procedures with local results. It enhances and expedites healing capabilities making the process gratifying for caretaker. Wounds are injuries which are caused by physical methods, and which disrupt normal continuity of structures and tissues. Total care of open wounds involves sanitizing it and seeking medical attention within a certain time frame. It is, however, important to note that controlling bleeding is the most crucial thing a victim must do when confronted with an open body injury .

The open cut should then be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water once bleeding has been controlled. Liquid soaps are the best for this job, therefore, no need for any fancy antibacterial soap. The entire depth of the gash must be rinsed. The soap must also be rinsed from the surface gently and thoroughly.

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.

The most important thing to do when confronted with an open cut is to ensure bleeding is controlled. Sanitizing an open cut occasionally causes bleeding of a healing cut to start. Although the bleeding may be minor, it must be stopped so that the condition of the cut does not worsen. The open cut can then be dressed once bleeding has stopped.

Bandages can ensure the cut remains clean, and harmful bacteria are not cause further infection. Exposure to air speeds up healing once the injury has healed enough to make further infections unlikely. Dressing should be changed daily, or whenever it becomes dirty or wet. Individuals who are allergic to adhesives present in most bandages should use sterile gauze or adhesive-free dressing.

Wounds that are more than six millimeters deep and have muscle or fat protrusions usually require stitches. Butterfly tapes or adhesive strips can hold minor cuts together, but if the cut cannot be held together, it is advisable to see a doctor. Proper closure within a few hours also reduces the risk of infection.

Wound cleaning plays a pivotal role in ensuring the condition of wounds do not become worse. Care for cuts also ensures germs do not get into the wound, therefore, shielding the body from infections such as tetanus. Patients with wounds can greatly benefit from body cut care treatment.




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