Sometimes accidents are inevitable. Cuts and wounds must be treated properly to avoid infection and cellulitis. The basic principles of wound care are cleaning and disinfecting. In the presence of any wound fluid (wound exudate), the dressing should be replaced immediately. Do not rub or press on the wound, so that it will be healed faster.
Clean the wound with saline, non-alcoholic disinfectant, burn cream, or topical antibiotic ointments prescribed by doctor. Traditional wound dressing products include sterile gauze pad, adhesive bandage, artificial skin dressing or paraffin gauze dressing. Different types of wounds may require different care:
Burns
- Cool the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes.
- Do not pop a blister to minimise the risk of infection.
- Do not use merbromin, gentian violet, burn cream, vinegar, soy sauces, soap, or toothpaste, as they may aggravate the wound.
- Cover with artificial skin dressing or paraffin gauze dressing.
Scratches
- Wash with saline or boiled water at room temperature.
- Cover with adhesive bandage.
Cuts
- Use fingers or palm, press on the wound with sterile gauze for 5 to 15 minutes to stop the bleeding and dress the wound.
Medical help should be sought if the wound continues bleeding, swelling or festering, or if the patient experiences a stinging pain, he or she may need debridement or stitches to help the healing process.
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