Using the right open wound treatment can mean the difference between quick recovery and prolonged healing, excess scars, intense pain, increased risk of infection, or more. Unfortunately, a number of misconceptions and confusions surround open wound care, mostly due to persistent common wound treatment myths and old wives’ tales.
To help set the record straight and ensure that you will have a favorable healing process, here are some of the right and wrong strategies to use when managing your open wound treatment.
Good Idea: Cleaning the Wound Immediately with Mild Solutions
Infections are caused not only by exposure to bacteria and pathogens, but also from contact with the surface that caused the wound. For example, a tree branch that caused an abrasion could have bacteria on its surface, as could a kitchen knife that caused an skin puncture.
Flush the wound surface and interior as you can with a mild solution. A saline solution made from a small amount of salt diluted in water works well since it mimics your body’s internal pH. You can also use mild or diluted soap in water works well or some purified water, then wipe the surface with clean gauze.
Take notice of any debris that may be lodged in the wound and remove it with sterile tweezers if possible. If the debris is deep or dispersed, you should seek emergency care.
Bad Idea: Using Strong Antiseptics to Wash Wounds
Conventional wisdom suggests using disinfectants and antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or iodine to clean open wounds. Most of these substances are better suited for disinfecting household surfaces and are far too harsh for use on human tissue. They are more likely to damage tissue than help it heal … read more