The Importance of Proper Wound Care: Dos and Don'ts
Wounds are an inevitable part of life, stemming from accidents, injuries, surgeries, or even minor cuts and scrapes.
While the body can heal itself, the journey to recovery is greatly influenced by the care we provide to these wounds. Proper wound care is not just about preventing infection; it also impacts the overall healing process and minimises scarring.
In this article, we’ll explore the basics of wound treatment and care: what to do and avoid for a smooth recovery.
Dos of Wound Care
- Clean your wounds- Cleaning your wound will help to prevent infection and encourage healing. Clean your wounds gently with soap and water. Before cleaning your wound, check with the doctor treating your wound, as some types of wounds must be cleaned in certain ways.
- Change your dressing- Wound dressing should be changed daily or whenever it is dirty. By changing the dressing regularly, you will avoid infection by removing an environment where bacteria could grow. Regularly changing your dressing is especially necessary if you use a medication or ointment underneath it.
- Use prescribed medications- If you have a wound, your wound care specialist may prescribe medications to treat or prevent infection or to promote healing. These medications could be in the form of pills or ointments. Using the prescribed medications can help your wound to heal faster and prevent complications that could otherwise occur.
- Follow a healthy diet- Wounds need nutrients to heal properly, especially protein and calories. Nutrient-rich foods like lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support the body’s healing process. Avoiding a high-sugar diet can reduce the risk of infection, especially if you have diabetes.
- Compress and protect the wound- Compress and cover it to keep the wound clean and protect it from dirt and bacteria. Some items that can help with this include compression sleeves, bandages, wraps, and stockings.
- Get your staples or sutures removed on time- If your wound care specialist has used staples or sutures to close a wound, they should be removed on time. If they are left in for too long, it can increase your risk of infection and scarring.
- Use recommended specialised dressing- Some wounds may require specific dressings, which help heal wounds faster, treat existing infections, or prevent infection from occurring. Using specialised dressings suggested by your wound care specialist can help your wound to heal much quicker.
- Monitor your wound for infection- An infection can make a wound heal slowly or even worsen. Seek medical attention if you notice increased redness, swelling, pus, or worsening pain.
Don’ts of Wound Care
- Don’t ignore changes to the wound- Small changes in the colour, smell, or appearance of your wound can indicate that your wound may be changing or developing an infection. Don’t ignore these signs of infection. Seek medical attention promptly.
- Don’t leave a dirty dressing- Changing a dressing can be inconvenient. However, leaving a soiled dressing on provides a moist, dirty environment that can increase the risk of infection. While changing a dirty or old dressing may seem inconvenient, it is much easier than dealing with an infection later.
- Don’t increase the risk of further injury- Wounds interrupt your body’s natural protection from the outside world, making you more at risk of injury in that area. Avoiding further damage to the area will help the wound heal better and avoid potential setbacks. Avoiding pressure on wound areas will also help avoid potential wound-healing delays.
Proper wound care is crucial for preventing complications and promoting optimal healing. If you have any doubts or concerns about wound care, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Contact Prof Dr Robert Hierner for wound management.
If you develop a wound, keep a close eye on it and utilise at-home treatments. After a few days, if there is no improvement in the wound, see your doctor immediately.
Prof Dr Robert Hierner is a renowned wound care specialist in Dubai with over 30 years of experience. He is a leading clinician in multidisciplinary scar management and helps people with his holistic wound care.