Want Your Wound to Heal Faster?

Fresh wounds require careful cleaning and infection prevention, while slow-healing or chronic wounds require appropriate management to promote healing and reduce scar formation. One of the most important steps is cleaning the wound correctly.

How to Clean a Wound Properly

Proper wound cleaning helps the wound heal well, recover more quickly, and reduces the risk of infection.

๐ Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.

๐ Prepare the necessary supplies, such as gauze, 0.9% normal saline, wound-cleaning instruments, and disposable gloves.

๐ Wear disposable gloves to avoid direct contact with the wound and reduce the risk of contamination.

๐ Clean the skin around the wound with gauze soaked in normal saline. If 70% alcohol is used, apply it only to the surrounding skin and not directly to the wound, as it may damage healthy tissue.

๐ Gently rinse the wound with normal saline or use saline-soaked gauze. Clean from the centre of the wound towards the outside to avoid bringing bacteria from the surrounding skin into the wound.

๐ Gently pat the wound dry using sterile gauze or a clean, lint-free cloth.

๐ When antiseptic medication or scar-reducing treatment is required, follow the doctor’s instructions.

๐ Cover the wound with gauze or an appropriate dressing. Avoid using cotton wool directly on the wound because fibres may stick to it, disturb the healing tissue, and cause pain when removed.

๐ Dispose of used supplies in a securely covered waste bin and wash your hands again after completing the wound care.

Choosing an Appropriate Antiseptic

Antiseptic products should be selected according to the type and condition of the wound.

Fresh Wounds and Abrasions

Mercurochrome or povidone-iodine may be used in certain situations. However, caution is required when applying antiseptics to delicate or sensitive tissue because they may cause irritation.

Chronic or Weeping Wounds

Acriflavine, sometimes known as yellow antiseptic solution, may be used for certain chronic or moist wounds. However, its antiseptic action may be slower and less effective than that of some newer products.

Wounds with Pus or Dead Tissue

Three per cent hydrogen peroxide may sometimes be used during the initial cleaning of wounds containing pus or dead tissue.

It should not be used continuously because it may damage newly forming tissue and delay healing.

Wounds at Risk of Infection

Seventy per cent alcohol may be used to clean the skin around the wound, but it should not be poured directly into the wound.

Modern antiseptic options that may be effective while causing less damage to healing tissue include:

๐ Octenidine

๐ Polihexanide

๐ Povidone-iodine

๐ Sodium hypochlorite wound solutions

๐ Nanosilver products

The most appropriate product should be selected according to the wound and the advice of a healthcare professional.

Choosing the Right Wound Dressing

Selecting a suitable dressing can help wounds heal faster and reduce the risk of infection.

Wounds with Heavy Discharge

For wounds producing a large amount of fluid or exudate, suitable dressings include:

๐ Alginate dressings: Absorb wound fluid effectively while helping maintain an appropriately moist healing environment.

๐ Hydrofiber dressings: Absorb large amounts of fluid and help prevent softening or breakdown of the skin around the wound.

๐ Foam dressings: Absorb fluid and reduce irritation or pressure on the wound.

Infected Wounds or Wounds at High Risk of Infection

Dressings containing antimicrobial substances may be considered.

๐ Silver dressings: Products such as silver foam dressings or Aquacel Ag help control certain types of bacteria.

๐ Hydrocolloid dressings: Maintain moisture and create a protective barrier. They may be suitable for selected wounds but should be used carefully when active infection is present.

Wounds with Dead Tissue or Requiring Debridement

๐ Hydrogel dressings: Add moisture and help soften dead tissue, supporting natural removal.

๐ Hydrocolloid dressings: Help maintain moisture and support the wound-healing process in suitable cases.

Wounds Requiring Protection from Irritation

Surgical wounds, pressure-related wounds, and newly healed wounds may benefit from non-adherent dressings.

๐ Silicone foam dressings: Reduce irritation, protect the wound, and make dressing changes more comfortable.

Fragile Skin or Nearly Healed Wounds

Choose dressings that do not stick to the healing surface.

๐ Silicone foam dressings

๐ Non-adherent dressings such as Mepitel or Urgotul

These materials help protect delicate new tissue and reduce damage during dressing changes.

Precautions to Reduce the Risk of Infection

Correct wound care is essential for preventing infection, promoting faster healing, and reducing complications.

๐ Protect the wound from dirty or contaminated water and avoid touching it directly. Use clean gloves and sterile equipment during wound care.

๐ Do not apply irritating substances such as vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide directly to the wound unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.

๐ Keep the area around the wound clean and change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet, dirty, or loose.

๐ Avoid using antibiotics unnecessarily, as inappropriate use may contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

๐ Eat foods that support wound healing, particularly foods containing protein, vitamin C, and zinc.

๐ Regularly check for signs of infection, including increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pain, pus, or an unpleasant smell.

๐ Seek medical attention promptly if the wound becomes more painful, develops spreading redness, produces pus, or is accompanied by fever.

Preventing Scar Formation

Once the wound has closed and new skin has formed, scar care may include:

๐ Protecting the area from sunlight

๐ Avoiding scratching, picking, or peeling the wound

๐ Using silicone gel or silicone sheets when recommended

๐ Keeping the newly healed skin appropriately moisturised

๐ Avoiding excessive stretching or pressure over the healing area

๐ Following the doctor’s advice, particularly for raised, thickened, or keloid scars

Summary

Wound care requires careful consideration of the wound’s type, depth, size, level of discharge, and risk of infection.

Correct cleaning, suitable antiseptic use, appropriate dressings, good hygiene, and proper nutrition all contribute to faster healing and reduce the risk of infection and scarring.

Slow-healing, deep, infected, or chronic wounds should be assessed by a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment.

 

Reference :

Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital Want Your Wound to Heal Faster

ArokaGO Providers Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital