Wounds are a normal part of everyday life, but prompt first aid is important to avoid serious complications. While small wounds, such as minor cuts and scratches, can be safely treated at home, serious wounds require proper medical attention. If not treated at the right time, any pain, redness, and swelling in wounds can increase intensity. Notably, the outcome of infection can be deadly for an elderly person.
Here in this post, we’ll outline five effective strategies for wound care.
Depending on the cause, site, and depth, a wound can be simple to severe. Here are some different types of wounds.
Incised wounds: These are caused by sharp objects, such as knives or shards of glass, slicing into the skin. The puncturing of blood vessels leads to heavy bleeding.
Laceration – It is caused by an injury to the skin and the soft tissue underneath it. The open skin looks like a cut, tear, or gash.
Abrasion – When the skin rubs against a rough surface, it causes a wound. It can cause pain since it exposes many of the skin’s nerve endings. Abrasions rarely cause much bleeding.
Puncture – It is a deep wound that is caused by sharp objects such as nails. The puncture creates a small hole in the skin, which may have caused damage to the tissues.
#1 Stop the bleeding
First, remove the clothing and debris from around the wound. If possible, wear disposable protective gloves. Now apply the steady pressure and elevate the area for a full 15 minutes. If there is an object in the wound, apply pressure around the object and not directly over it. For moderate-to-severe bleeding, you can use this method of applying continuous and direct pressure. Now, place a sterile bandage or clean cloth on the wound and maintain pressure by binding the wound with a thick dressing. Do not worry if the blood seeps through the fabric on the wound; keep applying the pressure.
#2 Clean the wound
Before touching the wound, wash your hands with a soap or hand sanitizer and then put on disposable gloves. To remove all the dirt and debris from the wound, rinse the wound under running tap water. Now gently scrub the wound with a washcloth. Scrubbing the wound is important to clean it. Use a shower or a water sprayer to clean a large, minor, and dirty wound.
#3 Apply antibiotics
Taking proper care of the injury is important to reduce the likelihood of wound infections. You can use a first aid antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection and keep the wound moist. After washing the area, apply an antibiotic ointment and then cover the wound with a bandage. If a wound has become infected, your doctor may advise you to use antibiotics or antiseptics to slow the growth of the micro-organisms causing the infection.
#4 Bandage the wound
Bandaging the wound is essential to protect it from dirt and other foreign contaminants. The purpose of a bandage is to promote healing and remove moisture. First, apply the dressings, like gauze pads and sponges, so that the bleeding can be stopped. Now, use bandages, such as roller gauze to hold the dressings in place and relieve pain. Remember that if there is an infection under a bandage, you may need to see your doctor.
#5 You may need stitches
Depending on how deep the wound is, stitches may be required. To close the wound, doctors use stitches, also called sutures. Stitching may be necessary if there is continuous bleeding and there is a risk of infection spreading. Stitches also lessen the scarring.
About Cornerstone at the Ranch
Cornerstone at the Ranch is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Lafayette, Louisiana that provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy, 24-hour skilled nursing, dietary services, and social services. Our nurses and team’s quality and loving care is our biggest strength and the reason behind the quick recovery of our residents.
You can call us at (337) 981-5335 or fill our contact form to schedule a tour of our center.