Four-step home care method for external wounds

In daily life , making home care procedures crucial. This not only helps wounds heal faster and better but also effectively prevents infection and reduces the risk of scarring. Home care can be summarized in four consecutive steps: immediate hemostasis, thorough cleaning, proper protection, and close observation. Understanding and implementing these four steps can help manage most minor injuries in the home.

Hemostasis :

Upon discovering a wound, the first priority is to control the bleeding. Immediately take the cleanest available fabric, such as sterile gauze, an unused cotton handkerchief, or a towel, and place it directly over the wound, applying firm pressure. If blood soaks through the first layer, do not remove it; instead, add a new dressing and continue applying pressure. Simultaneously, elevate the injured area above heart level, using gravity to help reduce blood flow to the wound. This elevation is particularly effective for wounds on the limbs. Maintain pressure for at least 10 to 15 minutes, avoiding frequent checks to prevent disrupting the nascent blood clot. Most small wounds can be stopped using this method. If the bleeding is spurting or does not subside effectively after 20 minutes of pressure, it may indicate damage to a major blood vessel, requiring immediate medical attention.

clean :

After successful hemostasis, thorough cleaning is key to preventing infection. The first choice is to rinse the wound with running saline solution. If this is unavailable, bottled drinking water or cooled boiled water are safe alternatives. When rinsing, allow the water to flow gently over the wound surface to wash away dirt, debris, and other contaminants. You can gently separate the wound edges with clean hands to ensure water can reach the inside for rinsing. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or iodine to rinse the inside of the wound directly, as these disinfectants can damage newly formed granulation cells, delay the healing process, and cause unnecessary pain. They are only suitable for disinfecting the intact skin surrounding the wound. After rinsing, gently pat dry the area around the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cotton swab.

Choose dressing :

After cleaning and drying, the wound needs to be covered with a dressing to create a microenvironment conducive to healing. For superficial abrasions with little exudate, transparent film dressings or hydrocolloid dressings can be used; these are waterproof, transparent, easy to observe, and keep the wound moist. For wounds with a small amount of exudate, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (such as mupirocin ointment), cover with sterile gauze, and then secure with tape or bandage. The bandage should be applied with moderate tightness, enough to secure the dressing without affecting distal blood circulation. If the wound is on a mobile area such as a finger, adhesive bandages can be used appropriately, but they need to be changed daily. When changing the dressing, if the inner gauze is stuck to the wound, do not forcibly remove it; instead, moisten it with saline solution until softened, and then gently peel it off.

Recovery period :

Wound care isn't just about applying a dressing; continued observation determines whether adjustments to the strategy or seeking medical help are necessary. The wound and surrounding skin should be checked daily. Normal signs of healing include: redness, swelling, heat, and pain gradually decreasing after 2-3 days; slight itching at the wound edges; and a small amount of clear or pale yellow fluid oozing out. Warning signs include: increased redness and swelling; worsening pain; yellowish-green pus discharge or discharge with an odor; a centripetal red line around the wound; or systemic symptoms such as fever and chills. These all indicate infection and require immediate medical attention. Furthermore, if the wound shows no signs of healing after two weeks, consult a doctor. In addition, ensure your diet includes sufficient protein and vitamin C, and avoid smoking and alcohol to support your body's repair process.

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Editor: kiki Jia