Wound care is a category dedicated to supplies used to help promote healing for sores, surgical wounds, cuts, pressure ulcers, and burns. Some of the items in this category include, but are not limited to: dressings, gels, gauzes, bandages, prepping materials, removers, and more.
The level of affection and care that you apply to your would will be the main determinant of the speed and efficiency of the recovery process. With proper wound care, you will be able to reduce the chances of infection or other similar delays to the overall recovery.
Know Your Wound
Having the right wound care products for your specific concern is an essential step on the road to your healing. Some factors that may help you determine the kind of products you need are the following:
Wound Type and Severity
The type of wound and its severity will determine if a gauze or bandage is enough or if you will be needing more absorbent wound care products. It will also help know which specific type of material will work best for the wound.
Amount of Drainage
The amount of drainage, or the liquid produced by the body in response to tissue damage, will determine whether or not you need to introduce more moisture to accelerate the healing process. For wounds with little to no drainage, this will be needed. For wounds with heavier drainage, finding wound care products that absorb the drainage without drying the wound would be best.
Wound Location
Just like the drainage amount, the wound location would also determine whether or not a specific type of dressing is needed. For areas where there is more moisture, like the buttocks or armpits, wounds there should be covered with a waterproof dressing.
3 Minor Wounds and How To Treat Them
Minor injuries, like the ones outlined below, can be treated at home by observing the rules stated above and by identifying what the minor wound is. Here are 3 common minor wounds and how to treat them:
Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers, or localized sores that happen because of pressure, shear, or friction, are commonly experienced by those in hospice care or those who have limited mobility. Some areas that are commonly affected by pressure ulcers are buttocks, hips, elbows, and ankles. Cleaning and moisturizing this area will help protect against pressure ulcers. If the ulcer is fresh, using a hydrocolloid dressing with a film backing will help keep the area dry and decrease friction. For pressure ulcers that are more serious, these should be cleaned with a wound cleanser and covered with a hydrogel dressing or any hydrophilic wound dressings.
Skin Tears
Skin tears often happen to people with fragile skin, like older adults or those who are very ill. They are caused by shear, friction, or any blunt force that can cause the layers to separate. Dry skin tears with little drainage will necessitate a non-adhesive hydrogel sheet that will protect the skin while providing moisture to accelerate healing. For skin tears with heavier drainage, hydrofiber or calcium alginate dressings will help absorb the moisture.
Burns
First degree burns may first be taken care of at home to prevent any infection. This is limited to the epidermis and causes tenderness and pain, A gel or paste can relieve pain and help promote healing. These wounds usually do not require a dressing.
Wound care is an important part of taking care of ourselves and our loved ones that we all need to be informed in. With more knowledge of the types of wounds and how to take care of them, we are able to respond quickly to any of these minor injuries. Because of this, these wounds are able to heal faster and are protected from the risks of infection.
