How to clean a wound

During the course of the next few weeks, you may need to dress some wounds. Kids are going to chase each other up stairs or around the yard. Moms will step on toys with sharp ends. Dad’s might burn themselves with a hot piece of coal from the braai. Accidents happen. It is inevitable.

According to the NHS, you should seek medical attention in the following instances;

Animal / human bites – you may need preventative shots / medication
Inflamed and has pus – you may need antibiotics and have it professionally drained
Wounds near main arteries (neck, inner thigh etc) or joints (to check integrity of the joints)
Has something embedded in it – anything large should be left, as removing it without medical supervision may cause uncontrollable bleeding
When a wound is very large or deep
When a wound will not stop bleeding
Burn wounds
- that affect not only the skin layer but also the tissue beneath it / deeper into muscle / bone
- larger than 7 centimetres in diameter
- that covers the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint
- if clothing is burned into the skin

How to clean / dress wounds at home

Stop bleeding (if the wound is fresh) by applying pressure with a clean towel or shirt. Should the wound be located on a limb, elevate it above heart level, if possible.
Wash and dry your hands properly – for instructions on this, read more here
If you are helping someone else, have them sit down or lie down. If you are helping someone you do not know, you should wear latex gloves. Explain to them what you are doing to avoid any surprises and frights
If a wound is fresh, rinse it under the tap for 5 to 10 minutes to flush out any possible debris of soil or dirt – if this is just a routine cleaning, after the fact, you can skip this step
Soak a clean cloth or gauze with a saline solution, clean water, or an antiseptic liquid and dab the wound
Do not use cotton as a loose strand may get left behind in the wound
If the wound is still bleeding, try a styptic pencil or you may use some Lennon’s Staal Druppels to help stop the bleeding. This will burn, brace yourself!
You can add a bit of antiseptic ointment to keep the skin hydrated and prevent infection
Cover the wound with the appropriate dressing / plaster. If applicable, double up on dressing
Clean and re-dress the wound twice a day.

How to treat burn wounds

In the event of a burn, assess the damage first. If the burn is second or third degree, or larger than 7 cm, seek medical attention immediately, do not attempt to do anything to the wound
If the wound is first degree and smaller than 7 cm, soak it in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce swelling and heat
Apply a generous amount of aloe vera or Burnshield Gel
You can place a loose-fitting dry gauze bandage over the area
Add some aloe vera or hydrogel to the wound whenever it appears or feels dry

How you can aid your wound healing

The body uses some nutrients to help regenerate your skin. Common nutrients include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc and Omega 3.

You can supplement your diet or make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet. You should drink lots of water to flush any toxins out and to keep your skin hydrated.

To remember

If at any point you feel overwhelmed or unsure, seek medical help – especially with children concerned. Pain, especially in the event of a burn, can be constant and excruciating. If you are struggling with dressing wounds, please visit our Wellness Clinic and have one of our sisters demonstrate proper use and additional products that may be of use.

You can get your First Aid Kit as well as First Aid training at Mopani Pharmacy.

For more information, call 013 755 5500.

References: NHS and Crozer Keystone Health System

Mopani Pharmacy is here and Taking Care – We deliver throughout South Africa, contact us for info: mopani.co.za | crossing@mopani.co.za | Tel: 013 755 5500 | WhatsApp: 066-192-1703