Wound Care and Treatment

Types of Wounds

1. Abrasions – Caused by scraping or sliding against rough surfaces, resulting in damage to the outer layer of skin.
2. Lacerations – Irregular wounds with torn edges, often accompanied by bruising.
3. Cuts from Sharp Objects – Such as knife cuts or broken glass wounds, usually with smooth wound edges.
4. Burn Blisters – Caused by burns, hot liquids, or scalding.
5. Deep Cuts and Severe Wounds – Injuries from sharp objects may also damage deeper tissues or organs beneath the skin.

What Should You Do When You Get a Wound?

1. Clean the wound with clean water or sterile saline solution only.
2. If there is heavy bleeding, use clean gauze to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Avoid using bare fingers directly on the wound because it may increase the risk of infection. If assisting another person, wear gloves to prevent contact with blood and reduce the risk of blood-borne diseases.
3. Deep lacerations or cuts from sharp objects may require stitches. You should visit a hospital within 4 hours after the injury. Delaying treatment may increase the risk of infection. Doctors may decide not to stitch wounds caused by animal bites or heavily contaminated wounds.
4. For burn blisters, rinse with clean water or apply a cool compress. Do not apply toothpaste or creams to the wound. Seek medical attention immediately.
5. If a foreign object is deeply embedded in the wound, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Examples include skewers, fish hooks, or knives stuck in the body. Seek medical care for safe removal.

Wound Care Instructions

1. Clean around the wound with sterile saline solution. If unsure how to clean the wound properly, visit a hospital.
2. Keep the wound dry and clean at all times. If the dressing becomes wet with blood or discharge, return to the hospital for wound cleaning.
3. If the wound is on the arm, hand, leg, or foot, keep the injured area elevated above heart level to reduce swelling.
4. Get enough rest and avoid excessive movement around the injured area, as it may slow healing and increase inflammation.
5. Eat nutritious foods such as meat, beans, eggs, milk, vegetables, and fruits to support wound healing.
6. Avoid touching, scratching, or picking at the wound to prevent infection.
7. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption because they may delay wound healing.
8. Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, or high blood pressure may experience slower wound healing and should follow medical advice carefully.
9. Do not apply herbal remedies or wound powders directly onto the wound because they may cause infection.
10. Take medications prescribed by the hospital as directed, especially antibiotics, and complete the full course.
11. Do not puncture or peel the skin covering burn blisters.
12. If you develop fever, pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the wound, return to the doctor for further examination.
13. Patients with stitches should attend follow-up appointments for wound care and stitch removal as scheduled.