Wound Wash / Wound Cleanser Solutions

Indications for a Wound Cleanser

Wound cleansers are important products in the medical world. Also known as wound debridement products, they are cost-effective and considered highly efficient at promoting wound healing and reducing infection rates. The indications for a wound cleanser can be categorized broadly into the following two categories: 

1. Removal of foreign bodies from the wound site and the nearby skin regions.
2. Reducing the risk of infection at the wound site. Pathogenic microbes can often inhabit the wound site and worsen the wound status. 

Wound Cleanser Types 

Some of the key types of wound cleansers include water, saline, and antimicrobial agents. 

Water vs. Saline 

The cleansing of a dirty wound or burn is often done using drinking water since it has an excellent profile and is considered safe for wound cleansing. Not only that, but it is cost-effective and efficient as well. On occasions where one cannot find a sterile solution or normal saline, drinking water is the best choice. 

Normal saline, on the other hand, is an isotonic solution. It doesn't interfere with normal wound repair. As compared to some of the other wound cleansing gels and solutions, normal saline's toxicity is quite low. Furthermore, if you clean a wound with salt water, the wound infection rate is almost the same as with tap water. Normal saline is a 0.9% NaCl solution.   

Water/Saline vs. Antimicrobial Cleansers 

Previously, the use of conventional antiseptic solutions have been somewhat discouraged. It was thought that these antiseptic wound washes interfere with wound healing and increase the infection rate. 

However, modern-day broad-spectrum antimicrobial wound cleaners are highly effective in reducing microorganism colonization. Infection rates dip considerably with these products. For this reason, antimicrobial wound cleaners are ideal for acute and chronic wounds. They are also an excellent choice for deep and superficial wounds. 

Other helpful options to cleanse wounds include povidone-iodine, super-oxidized solutions, acetic acid wound care products, and octenidine. 

How to Choose a Wound Cleaning Solution 

There is a wide variety of wound cleansing solutions on the market. When it comes to picking the best wound cleanser, many factors go into consideration. These factors include medical considerations as well as practical concerns, as discussed below. 

Medical Factors 

Biocompatibility 

Our immune system naturally responds to and rejects unidentified foreign agents. It is therefore important to choose wound cleansers that don't lead to such an immune response; in other words, they must be biocompatible for humans. A product that is biocompatible is considered safe for living tissue.  

Cytotoxicity 

Cytotoxicity is the degree to which a substance can cause cellular damage. Substances that cause cytotoxicity are called cytotoxic. When buying a wound solution, it is extremely important to ensure that your chosen product is non-cytotoxic. Non-cytotoxic wound cleansers ensure that the cells stay intact despite the body’s exposure to the cleaning product in question. 

Pathogenicity 

Pathogenic bacteria can complicate the situation at a wound site. Wound cleansers with pathogenicity reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria, making them the ideal solution for cleansing wounds. 

Bacterial Resistance 

Bacterial resistance is a significant concern in the wound care world, as it is known to delay the progress of wound healing and increase healthcare expenses. An ideal wound cleanser will not induce bacterial resistance like, for example, the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.  

Non-Sensitizing 

Furthermore, a wound rinsing solution must not be sensitizing either. In other words, it should be made from products that do not cause skin irritation, won’t cause sensitivity, and will be non-reactive. 

Practical Factors  

Accessibility 

If the wound cleansers you are ordering are items you will need on a long-term basis, be sure to go for high-quality products that are available all year round and are easily accessible. At AvaCare Medical, we make this easy with our Auto-Reorder program. All you need to do to get your products shipped on a regular basis is to place the order once, select auto-reorder when prompted and leave the rest to us. 

Stability 

Many factors like light, temperature, and pressure can affect the quality of a rinsing solution. If this is important to you, check the product specifications to see if it offers  

Cost Effectiveness 

Whether you are buying it for one-time use or in bulk amounts, the price tag of your chosen wound cleanser is going to influence your decision. Call us today at 1-877-813-7799 if you need help finding high-quality, cost-effective wound cleansers. 

Wound Cleanser FAQs 

What Is the Best Wound Cleanser? 

A preferred cleanser for most wounds is normal saline (0.9% NaCl). It is the first choice because it is physiologic and safe. Other great options include drinking water, sterile water, and antimicrobial wound cleaners, each of which may be ideal for different wound types, different individuals, and different situations. 

Is Hydrogen Peroxide a Good Wound Cleanser? 

Hydrogen peroxide is detrimental to wound healing. Rather than promoting wound healing, hydrogen peroxide prevents it and irritates the skin as well. Hence, it is no longer preferred as a wound cleanser, although it does have many other great uses. 

Is Betadine a Good Choice for Wounds? 

Betadine is an antiseptic liquid available in the form of creams. Applying it topically on minor wounds and cuts reduces the risk of developing an infection. 

What Can You Put on Wounds That Won't Heal?

When it comes to wounds that won't heal, antibiotic ointments and petroleum jelly are good options. To provide the ideal healing environment, follow these simple steps:

1. Wash the area gently with a mild soap and water
2. Apply antibiotic ointment or white petrolatum
3. Cover the wound with a bandage or dressing (foam dressing is a great option to absorb exudate and still keep the area optimally moist)
4. Keep the wound moist and covered for about five days

Are Dyes & Organic Mercury Compounds Good Wound Cleansers? 

Dyes and organic mercury compounds are considered obsolete and ineffective. 

Conclusion 

A wound cleanser is a vital product for the removal of foreign materials from wound surfaces and nearby skin regions. It reduces the risk of infection at the wound site and helps promote wound healing. With so many types of wound cleaning solutions available on the market, you need to choose one that is biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, pathogen-free, and cost-effective. AvaCare Medical is your ideal one-stop shop for finding and comparing these products.

At AvaCare Medical, we have a complete range of wound cleansers available. You can scroll through our diverse product range and pick any of these premium-quality options. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about any skin and wound cleansers you may need, including wound dressing, gauze rolls, or anything else. Our customer care representatives are at your service.