Avoid these four common mistakes.

With the arrival of autumn, people are increasingly engaging in outdoor activities, and accidents and injuries are becoming more common. When dealing with autumn injuries, many people fall into common misconceptions. These mistakes not only delay wound healing but can also introduce additional risks. How can we properly handle these issues? Let's take a look.

Why do fall injuries require special attention?

The dry autumn climate and large temperature swings between morning and evening can affect wound healing. Lower humidity increases the risk of dry skin and scabbing, while lower temperatures constrict blood vessels, slowing local blood circulation and reducing nutrient delivery. Autumn's high-intensity outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, increase the risk of injury and necessitate proper wound management.

Misconception 1: Immediately use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect

Many people are accustomed to using alcohol to directly flush the wound, thinking that this can thoroughly disinfect it. In fact, these highly irritating disinfectants will damage new tissue cells and delay the healing process. The correct way is to flush the wound with normal saline or purified water, and flush it for more than 5 minutes to ensure that all visible contaminants are washed away. If disinfection is necessary, it is recommended to use 0.5% iodine tincture, which is less irritating and has a reliable bactericidal effect. The focus of disinfection is the skin around the wound, not the wound surface itself.

Myth 2: Keep the wound dry and scab-free

Traditionally, scabs are considered a sign of wound healing. Modern medicine has proven that a moderately moist environment is more conducive to healing. Dry scabs hinder the migration of newly formed epithelial cells, prolonging healing and increasing the risk of scarring. The correct approach is to use modern dressings to keep the wound moderately moist. Hydrocolloid dressings are suitable for superficial wounds, while foam dressings are suitable for exuding wounds. These products maintain an optimal moist environment, promoting cell migration and division. Observe the wound daily and change the dressing if excessive exudate is present.

Myth 3: Itchy wounds mean infection

The itching common in wound healing in autumn is mostly due to new tissue growth and nerve repair, and is not necessarily a sign of infection. Symptoms of infection that should be of concern include: continued expansion of redness and swelling, increasing pain, purulent discharge, fever, and other systemic symptoms. Proper management of itching includes: avoiding scratching and gently patting the surrounding skin; keeping the skin moisturized with non-irritating moisturizers; and wearing loose, soft clothing to reduce friction. If itching is severe and disrupts your daily life, consult a doctor about using antihistamines.

Misconception 4: Neglecting diet and overall conditioning

Many people only focus on local wound treatment and ignore the impact of systemic factors on healing. As the weather turns cooler in autumn, the human body's metabolism changes, and more attention needs to be paid to nutritional support. Ensure adequate daily intake of high-quality protein, such as eggs, fish, and soy products, to provide the raw materials needed for tissue repair. Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis and can be obtained from fresh fruits and vegetables. Zinc is involved in cell division, and nuts and seafood are good sources. At the same time, pay attention to keeping warm to avoid the wound area getting cold, which can cause vasoconstriction. Ensure adequate sleep, reduce staying up late, and give the body enough time to repair.

How to correctly judge the wound healing status?

A properly healing wound should exhibit the following characteristics: initial mild redness and swelling that gradually subsides after 2-3 days; exudate gradually decreases, and the color changes from light red to clear; new pink tissue appears at the wound edge; and there is no abnormal pain or odor. If the wound does not show significant improvement within a week or if any symptoms of infection appear, seek medical attention immediately. People with diabetes, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems should be particularly vigilant, as their healing process may be slower and the risks are higher.

Everyone should remember to take protective measures when going out, wear appropriate clothing and protective gear to reduce the risk of injury, and enjoy the beautiful autumn. For more information on Innomed®Hydrocolloid Dressing Ultra-thin, refer to the Previous Articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; You Wholeheartedly. At longterm medical, we transform this data by Innovating and Developing Products that Make Life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia