How to Clean and Protect Wounds for Better Wound Healing

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The younger we are, the more likely we are to get wounded. It is inevitable in life, but not tending to those wounds properly can have unpleasant consequences.

When it comes to wound care, the main goal is to provide safe and secure protection, and the best conditions for undisturbed and optimal healing, without any complications.

Here’s why you should protect your wounds

Bacteria can migrate deep into the wound and cause severe infection.

Chlorine can irritate the wound area and delay healing.

It is very important to protect wounds while they are healing. If left exposed, a wound is vulnerable to entry of contaminants, infection, swelling, or other complications.

Through an open wound, bacteria can easily enter the body and cause infection. A severe and hard-to-treat infection can migrate deep under the surface of the skin, hinder healing, and result in other complications. The presence of water can impede wound healing as well. For instance, water may contain bacteria or harmful elements such as chlorine, which can prevent your wound from healing & double the risk of infection. Contact with water will also make the skin swell, causing the wound to close. In such conditions it is easy for bacteria and germs to enter the wound, further raising the risk of infection.

In order to make sure that your wound is properly protected against external influences and infection risks, you'll need a plaster that is tailored to the type, size and location of the wound. The following tips will help you to apply proper care once you have selected the plaster that is right for you.

Treatment

This is how you can properly take care of a wound:

STEP 1

You should always wash your hands with soap and water before handling a wound. Furthermore, rest is essential in order to heal a wound. Avoid touching or rubbing your wounds as it might make things worse.

STEP 2

The affected area should then be cleaned. In this case, wound-cleansing products such as wound sprays can be used. It is also imperative to disinfect the wound when necessary. The use of sterile gauze pads or clean cloths is recommended for cleaning. Foreign objects lodged in the wound (such as pieces of glass) should never be removed on your own; only a medical professional should perform this procedure.

STEP 3

Once the wound has been cleaned and the bleeding has stopped, a plaster should be applied. To ensure optimal wound protection, ensure that the plaster is applied without creasing or stretching.

Read what the expert has to say:

Photo of Carsten Hartkopf; Research & Development, Beiersdorf AG

Waterproof plasters provide optimal protection against bacteria while still allowing the skin to breathe.

Carsten Hartkopf,

Research & Development, Beiersdorf AG

"Wound healing is about ensuring that the affected area of skin heals quickly and properly, without further complications from external sources. A clean wound is the only way to ensure the best protection against infection, which is the greatest threat to wound healing. Water and moisture cause swelling of the skin. This can expose the surface area of the wound to bacteria and germs, increasing the risk of infection."

CAN PLASTERS SUPPORT WOUND HEALING?

“Yes, plasters do provide wound healing support from the moment of injury until the end of the healing process."

WHICH PLASTER SHOULD I USE WHEN?

"There are dedicated plasters for all kinds of situations. In addition to being water-resistant, special water-resistant products are also breathable and thin and therefore flexible enough to adapt to your skin's movement. Plasters should not be creased or overtightened because they are designed to flex."

HOW LONG CAN A WOUND PLASTER BE WORN?

“The wound should be treated from start to finish. In addition to hygienic reasons, the plaster should be changed daily to monitor the healing process and to look for inflammation and/or other abnormalities. Today, waterproof plasters are skin-friendly and allow for increased breathability. Plasters that feature Silver Ion Healing Technology, like Hansaplast Silver Healing Plasters, should be worn for several days to provide optimal healing results.”

Prevention

Here’s how you can prevent scars and help wounds heal better

The most important thing is to keep a wound protected consistently. This is the only way to prevent infection and complications.

It is important to let the wound rest undisturbed, which includes not touching the scab as well as avoiding friction and pressure from clothing or other outside factors.

During all stages of wound healing, you should avoid exposure to UV light and sunlight, as these factors contribute to red, visible scarring and skin discoloration.

What more can you do?

Consider wearing rubber gloves when doing the washing up to guard against cuts.

When shaving, avoid using disposable razors excessively. As the blades get dull, it's natural to apply more pressure, increasing the risk of cuts.

Be mindful when you’re working with sharp objects such as knives, scissors, or saws.

Disclaimer

Please note that the above recommendations are general care tips. Consult a health care professional in case of any uncertainty around wound treatment and healing.

Always see your doctor if a wound is deep, bleeding profusely, or showing infection signs. For diabetic patients especially, proper wound care holds the utmost importance. Do not hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or your podiatrist, even when minor wounds and cuts – especially if they’re on your feet.

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Although compiled with great care, it is not a substitute for professional advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult your doctor immediately.

For further information regarding Hansaplast products, please contact us via email at customer.care@bdfindia.com.

How to Clean and Protect Wounds for Better Wound Healing – Learn more about proper woundcare and why it's so important for the healing process.

Here’s why you should protect your wounds

Read what the expert has to say:

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