Are you wondering how to take care of your wound? wound care is critical to preventing further harm, even if the injury is minor. A wound refers to a break in the skin, which can include anything from a papercut to a life-threatening injury.
Wounds are categorized into four different types: Abrasions, lacerations, punctures andavulsions. The type of wound you have will ultimately determine the kind of care your wound will need so that it can heal quickly and completely.
Wound care
Minor wounds can be addressed at home. You will need to gently wash the wound to remove any blood or dirt. The wound will then need to be disinfected to remove bacteria that could enter the bloodstream. After washing and disinfecting the wound, wrap a clean bandage around the area. The bandage should be snug enough to stay in its place but not so tight that it prevents the injury from healing.
If a wound is bleeding, it is necessary to apply gentle yet firm pressure to the area until the bleeding stops. Elevating the wound also helps to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop within 20 minutes, then it is necessary to see a medical professional for treatment. Another reason that requires professional medical treatment includes wounds that are one-half inch or deeper into the skin.
Covered or uncovered?
Wounds need to be covered so that they can heal properly. When a wound is left uncovered, the new surface cells that are being created can easily dry out. When these important cells dry out, it tends to slow down the healing process.
A wound should be covered using a clean bandage. Before placing the bandage on your skin, apply a thin layer of topical antibiotic ointment over the wound. This ointment provides two benefits. The first benefit is that it will help keep the wound from becoming infected. The second benefit is that wounds heal better when they have a little moisture.
Once the wound has formed a scab, there is no longer the need to cover it with a bandage as the scab now acts as a protective barrier. Keep the area clean, but be gentle so that you do not accidentally remove the scab.
Signs of infection
Since a wound is an opening in the skin, bacteria can easily enter your body. An infection will not only complicate the healing process, but it can also cause problems for your entire body. Keep an eye on your wound to indicators that it is infected. Visit a physician for wound care if you see any of the following signs of infection:
- Redness around the wound
- Swelling and sensitivity
- Drainage or pus
- Fever or chills
Need assistance with wound care?
If you have a wound that is taking a long time to heal or has become infected, visit our urgent care center as soon as possible. We can examine the injury and recommend the optimal wound care treatment plan.
Call us today at (702) 514-4295 for more information from Encompass Care.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Wound Care in North Las Vegas, NV.
Related Posts
Preventing Injury, Promoting Health: The Importance Of Sports Physicals
A sports physical can help prevent injury and promote health for young athletes and adults. Whenever a person is considering participating in strenuous activity for the first time in a while, it can be valuable to seek advice from a medical professional to assess whether any underlying problems can pose a risk during exercise.That said,…
Tips From Your Primary Care Doctor On Heart Health
Maintaining heart health is one of the most important things that a person can do, and primary care doctors want patients to know that it does not have to be difficult. Small but impactful changes in your daily life can make a big difference to keep that heart beating for as long as possible. Here…
Find Fast Relief At An Urgent Care
Your local urgent care center can provide you with the health solutions that you need. Getting the right type of help is important when symptoms occur suddenly. This healthcare facility has the medical personnel and equipment to help anyone at any given time. Here are the details on how you can get fast relief from…
Benefits Of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Menopause can be a concerning time for a lot of women, and many consider hormone replacement therapy as a way to deal with the symptoms of menopause. By understanding the benefits hormone replacement therapy can offer, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not it is worth pursuing.While every woman worries about…