You can help heal a wound with a little diligence.Infections can be prevented from spreading to other parts of your body by cleaning a wound.Before and after you clean the wound, wash your hands.Three times a day, soak a wound in a solution of water and salt.Keep it covered by applying an antibiotic ointment.If you have a bleeding wound, wash it with soap and warm water as soon as you stop the bleeding.If you were wounded by a dirty object, see a doctor.If redness and swelling spread beyond the wounded area, you should immediately call a doctor.
Step 1: Your doctor has given you instructions.
Following your doctor's instructions is the most important part of caring for a wound.If you haven't yet seen a doctor for a wound, you should do so as soon as possible.Your doctor may tell you to keep your wound clean.You don't want to get it wet when you bathe or shower.Use soap and water or a special wound cleaner to clean your wound.When your bandages become dirty or wet, replace them regularly.
Step 2: After cleaning the wound, wash your hands.
You can wash your hands with warm water and an antimicrobial hand soap.Before and after you clean the wound, wash your hands.Don't touch the wound unless you're cleaning it, and never scratch it if it's itchy.
Step 3: The wound should be soaked in a solution.
If your doctor has told you to soak your wound in a solution of water and salt, then make sure you do so.Do not do this if not.If you have an open wound, soak it in a container of warm saline solution for 20 minutes.If it is hard to soak the wound in a bowl, cover it with a clean cloth and let it sit for 20 minutes.You can make your own solution by mixing two quarts of warm water with one quart of salt.
Step 4: To clean the wound, use tap water.
You should not use the water to clean the wound if you wouldn't drink it.You can heat water with salt on the stove.If you have a wound, wash it thoroughly and pat it dry.You can boil tap water and let it cool before using it.
Step 5: An antibiotic is applied.
A lot of the drugs your doctor will prescribe are bacitracin, silver sulfadiazine, gentamicin, and mupirocin.Take care not to let the tip of the nozzle touch the cotton swab as you apply the antibacterial cream.Apply a thin coating to the wound with enough cream.If you have to squirt more from the bottle, use a fresh swab.If you haven't been prescribed a cream from your doctor, use an over-the-counter one.If you want an over the counter antibiotic, you can ask your pharmacist.If you have a painful wound, you may be able to find a pain relief product.
Step 6: Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
Rubing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide on wounds and skin infections do more harm than good.Both interfere with the healing process.Your body uses white blood cells to kill the germs that cause infections.
Step 7: To encourage healing, replace the dressing.
To dry the area around the wound, use a clean cloth and affix the dressing.It is important to cover the wound to prevent it from spreading.You should change the dressing at least once a day.Don't use a dressing that sticks to the wound.Dressing shouldn't stick to your wound if you apply enough ointment.Choose a sterile bandage.
Step 8: Follow your doctor's instructions.
If you have a wound that is not healing, then you need to see a doctor.Follow all of the instructions given to you by your doctor or medical professional when you visit them.They've told you to take oral antibiotics or apply a prescribed antibiotic cream.Take any other medication as directed.Unless directed by your doctor, don't wet your stitches for 24 hours.
Step 9: Stop the bleeding.
It takes a few minutes for minor wounds to stop bleeding.Apply gentle pressure if necessary, cover the area with a clean cloth or bandage.If possible, hold the area higher than the heart.If you have an arm or leg injury, you should elevate the limb to hold the wound at a higher point than your heart.
Step 10: A fresh wound can be flushed for up to 10 minutes.
Remove debris and germs by running warm water over it.You can clean around the wound with soap and water.Start cleaning the wound as soon as possible.If you have a puncture wound, soak it for 15 minutes in a warm saline solution.If necessary, dip a pair of tweezers in alcohol and use them to remove particles of debris from a cut that can't be flushed with water.If you can't remove debris from a deep cut, you should see a doctor.
Step 11: Apply something to the wound.
Use a thin coating of antibiotics on the wound.A sterile bandage is used to dress the wound.To dry the area around the wound, use a cloth.It is a must to change the dressing at least once a day.You should clean the wound with a solution of water and salt at least once daily or whenever you change the dressing.
Step 12: Check for signs of an illness.
If you notice any of the signs of an infection, you should call your doctor.Redness Swelling Heat and Pain Tenderness Pus are examples of these signs.
Step 13: There are deeper wounds that need to be sutured.
If the wound is larger than two millimeters and punctures through the skin, you should see a doctor.If you can't close the wound on your own, you will need stitches.The risk of scarring and infections will be reduced by getting stitches within a few hours of the injury.If you have a jagged edge wound, make sure to see a doctor.
Step 14: If the infection gets worse, you should make an appointment.
If redness and swelling spread beyond the wound, call a doctor.If you have already seen your doctor, you should call them for a follow-up if the wound shows no signs of improvement three days after starting an antibiotic.A foul odor coming from the wound is one of the signs of a worsening infection.
Step 15: Discuss the use of antibiotics with your doctor.
Discuss with your doctor whether you should take antibiotics.The most common form of antibiotic treatment is a topic antibiotic that you apply directly on the affected area.If your doctor believes that the infection is spreading or that your immune system is compromised, oral antibiotics are the best option.You should tell your doctor about any chronic health conditions that may have weakened your immune system.
Step 16: Do you want to get a tetanus shot?
If the wound is dirty or deep, it is best to talk to the doctor about getting a tetanus shot.tetanus can be caused by wounds from dirty or rusty surfaces, but most standard vaccination programs protect against the disease.If you have not had a tetanus shot in the last five years, you might need a booster.
Step 17: Discuss chronic conditions and other concerns with a doctor.
If you have any concerns about the nature of your injury or about your existing medical conditions, you should immediately contact your doctor.If your immune system is compromised, be sure to consult a doctor if you take a blood thinner.It's best to see a doctor for wounds from animal or human bites, as well as rusty or dirty objects.Also, keep in mind that some people are at an increased risk of infections, such as people who have diabetes, elderly, obese, or are on a steroid medication.
Step 18: If you have severe symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
You may need to get immediate medical care.There are some symptoms that indicate a need for immediate care.