Back then, people didn’t know how to clean wounds, so amputation was the main option and treatment. If it is done today with our medical professionals, it is incomprehensible. Wounds are treated today with different kinds of wound care products.
Many people think the best products for cleaning wounds are alcohol and peroxide. It is not the case, though! These items may irritate you and cause recovery to take longer. The best way to disinfect tools, such as tweezers for splinter removal, is with alcohol. It is best to clean the wound with saline wound wash solution or water and mild soap. If necessary, use a disinfectant with a chlorhexidine base after cleaning.
Infections can enter through open wounds. To avoid infection and promote healthy skin healing, you must do wound care properly. The greatest technique to hasten the healing process is to clean and rinse the wound. The initial stage in wound care is cleaning and irrigation. The single most effective wound care technique for lowering the risk of infection is wound irrigation. Although pre-made wound care products are available, it may be beneficial to assemble your own to ensure you have the appropriate products for your needs. Its contents may vary depending on the situation in which you may utilize the products.
Wound healing process
Any break in the skin is considered a wound. The skin is vulnerable to various physical and chemical irritants since it is the body’s primary barrier against the environment. A skin breach can put someone at risk of developing tetanus and other problems like nerve damage. There are three phases that a typical wound-healing process can go through:
- Response Phase
Blood vessels contract when there is an injury to prevent foreign objects from entering the wound. Edema develops in some tissues as a defense mechanism against skin damage. When the tissues have become loose, the neutrophils surround the wound to devour them and combat the infection. When the neutrophils have completed their task, they will die and produce pus.
- Phase of Regrowth
A thin covering or film of tissue is applied to the wound after the debris has been removed. For example, collagen strengthens the scar. In the case of pressure ulcers, granulation tissue covers the hollow area. The reaction phase and the regrowth phase can overlap.
- Renovation Stage
With time, the fresh scar creation becomes stronger. Depending on the injuries’ severity and the damaged area, the average time for a scar to mature might be between 6 and 12 months.
Steps to clean a wound
There are different kinds of wounds, so the aftercare also varies, but for normal and simple wounds, there are steps you need to follow as they heal quickly in this method. You don’t need to go to your doctor when dealing with minor wounds; you can cure them in the comfort of your home anytime you want without a sweat. The five steps to cleaning a wound are as follows:
- Spend at least 20 seconds thoroughly washing your hands with hand soap and water.
- Use saline or tap water to flush any debris out of the wound.
- You can apply a disinfectant based on chlorhexidine if the wound is dirty.
- To prepare the wound for subsequent dressing changes, gently wash it with mild soap and water or saline solution and then thoroughly rinse it.
- Pat dry gently without rubbing.
It is vital to clean the wound from the center outward to prevent microorganisms from spreading outside the incision. Compresses are preferable over wadding since they won’t leave threads in the wound.
Different kinds of wound-cleaning solutions for wounds
There are different kinds of wound-cleaning solutions for wounds that you can use according to your wound. You can’t just use one wound care product because you’re familiar with it. You should choose the right one for your wound type and its effectiveness against your wound. Wound care supplies may vary from saline wound wash, antiseptic wound wash, antiseptic spray, and wound spray. Here are some of the best products for each category.
The wound care solution is clinically proven to reduce swelling and pain and potentially speed healing. It gently cleans away dirt, debris, and bacteria without irritating. This unique product is safe for adults and children as it does not contain local anesthetics or other irritants commonly found in normal saline.
Microcyn Wound and Skin Care is a non-toxic, non-irritating lotion that cleans your skin of all dirt and debris. No need for harmful chemicals, water, or soap. It makes it perfect for those with sensitive skin who want to avoid the harsh elements of commercial lotions. Microcyn’s formula is gentle enough to use over any area of your body.
Povidone iodine is a broad-spectrum topical disinfectant commonly used in the medical, dental, and veterinary fields. As an antiseptic and cleaner, it works well with oxidizers to decrease microbial surface areas. This solution is made with phosphoric acid, which is rejected by the body’s metabolism system and excreted out of the body as waste.
MicroKlenz Antimicrobial First Aid Antiseptic is the ultimate first aid kit for the home and contains various products to help reduce bacterial contamination. It includes a high concentration of Benzethonium Chloride, a powerful anti-bacterial agent that destroys bacteria on contact. This product is also effective against fungi and viruses. The easy spray makes treating minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and other minor wounds quick and convenient. Thanks to its unique two-component formulation, this product ensures this formula creates no stinging sensation during application.
Final Thoughts
An irrigation method can assist in flushing out wounds so that the damaged tissue is properly cleaned, any debris is removed, and enough drainage is allowed. If you intend to irrigate your wounds, discuss the best procedures, necessary equipment, and potential risks with your doctor. Although it may seem overwhelming initially, you’ll get used to it and help your wound heal more quickly and with fewer complications.
Contact AvaCare Medical, a top provider of wound care with a fantastic plethora of wound care supplies and a wealth of educational resources, to ensure you have everything you need. We provide everything from bandages and gauze to collagen dressings, hydrogels, and compression bandages as part of our commitment to assisting you on your recovery journey. For more information about AvaCare, please email us at info@avacaremedical.com or call us at 1-877-813-7799.