Wounds

If you are relatively healthy and you have a minor wound, you can self-treat according to specific guidelines. Most minor wounds will heal on their own despite your interventions, and care is based mainly on preventing infection. Minor wounds will heal on their own despite your interventions, and care is based mainly on preventing infection. If a wound is large enough to need stitches or special care then you will need to consult a physician. Diabetics, immuno-compromised people (those with HIV or receiving anti-cancer drugs, or transplant recipients) or people with circulatory problems should pay special attention to even minor wounds as serious complications may arise.

Assessing a Wound

You need to answer several questions to assess the severity of a wound. What caused the wound? Is the wound dirty or clean?  Abrasions that are contaminated with dirt or other foreign material need to be thoroughly cleaned. Penetrating wounds, or wounds caused by sharp instruments or objects, can be dangerous as they may deliver bacteria deep into the tissues where there is no drainage. Human and animal bites can result in serious infection and require special consideration. Second and third degree burns also require special attention.

How deep is the wound? If the wound appears to have penetrated deeply through the skin there is a chance that vital structures have been injured and you should consult with a doctor. Wounds with no significant bleeding or evidence of deep, internal damage can be managed with cleansing and a band-aid or a butterfly bandage.

Treatment

Remove all foreign material from any wound. Any foreign particles can inhibit healing and predispose you to infection. Use a clean sponge or gauze pad to gently yet thoroughly remove all contaminants. Clean with hydrogen peroxide or non-irritating soap and sterile water or saline solution. This process may be painful and cause some bleeding but it is necessary. Never use alcohol or tincture of iodine to treat or clean an open wound.

Antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin or Bacitracin are useful in abrasions or very minor wounds only; they tend to obstruct the normal drainage of deeper wounds and should not be used. Dirty and complicated wounds are more susceptible to tetanus infections, so review the tetanus guidelines. All you need to keep the wound clean and avoid excessive drying is a sterile bandage.

Wound Infections

You may develop a wound infection if you do not start proper care within the first 12 hours. Penetrating wounds, those caused by human and animal bites, burns, and dirty wounds may become infected regardless of the care provided. People with impaired immunity, diabetes, or circulatory problems are also susceptible to wound infections and should always act cautiously with a significant wound.

Infections typically arise two to three days after the initial wound and are characterized by increased warmth, redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus drainage. If you develop what you think may be a more serious wound infection, seek immediate medical attention.