Accidents happen every day, and a simple slip or mishap can leave you with a minor cut or scrape. While these injuries might seem like minor inconveniences, the consequences of not knowing how to properly care for them can be surprisingly severe.
Without appropriate first aid, even minor cuts, sores, or skin lesions if not cleaned properly can become a gateway for harmful bacteria, leading to infections that may escalate into serious health issues.
Understanding the basics of first aid and wound care isn't just helpful — it's crucial for preventing complications and ensuring a quick, safe recovery.
Pharmacist Carla Ebersohn from Medipost Pharmacy explains, “Our skin acts as a protective barrier. When it's injured, it can let dirt and bacteria into our bodies, even if we can't see them.”
These bacteria can infect the wound, causing more skin damage and slowing down the healing process. If not treated quickly, the infection can spread to deeper tissues and cause serious health problems.
“That's why it’s crucial to clean wounds properly to ensure they heal well,” Ebersohn advises.
Ebersohn’s advice for treating minor open wounds
- First, wash your hands well with soap and clean water.
- Remove any jewellery or clothing from around the wound.
- Apply pressure until the bleeding stops.
- Clean the wound with antiseptic, or if this is not available, with a saline solution made from half a teaspoon of salt per cup of cooled boiled water.
- Examine the wound for dirt or debris, remove it with clean forceps or tweezers, and clean again if needed.
- Pat the wound dry with a clean cloth or sterile gauze.
- Dress the wound by applying antibacterial ointment, covering it with gauze or an appropriately sized bandage, and securing it with adhesive tape.
- Most minor wounds should be cleaned and dressed twice daily, or as directed by your doctor, or if the dressing becomes wet or soiled.
“Always see your doctor if a wound is deep and bleeding heavily, and check that your family’s tetanus vaccinations are up to date. If you see that the wound is not responding to home care within a few days or there are signs of infection, it would be best to consult your doctor.”
Understanding wounds: Types, care, and risks
Wounds fall into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute wounds typically heal within one to six weeks without issues. Chronic wounds, however, take longer to heal and often come with complications.
Wounds can result from various causes like injuries, surgeries, cuts, burns, extreme temperatures, friction, pressure, or health conditions. Each type of wound requires specific care.
“For example, you shouldn't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol on burn wounds,” advises pharmacist Ebersohn.
“These substances can slow down the healing process. Instead, wash the burn gently with soap and water, pat it dry, and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment.”
Common chronic wounds include bedsores (pressure sores) and diabetic ulcers. Bedsores occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin, affecting people with limited mobility, especially those confined to bed due to illness or surgery.
Diabetic ulcers, usually found on the feet, result from nerve and circulation changes caused by diabetes. This type is most common among older adults with diabetes.
“Poor circulation can impair the body's ability to heal, leading to diabetic ulcers. Often, individuals with diabetes may have little to no feeling in their feet due to nerve damage. It's crucial to check for any signs of injury or infection daily.
“If untreated, diabetic ulcers can unfortunately lead to amputation,” warns Ebersohn.
Knowing how to care for different types of wounds is vital for preventing complications and ensuring proper healing.
“Prevention is always better than treating a wound. Take precautions to avoid injury and keep healthy, including being as active as possible, eating a balanced, wholesome diet, losing excess weight, and managing existing health conditions carefully in regular consultation with your treating healthcare professional,” Ebersohn adds.
First aid kit essentials for wound care
Ebersohn recommends stocking your medicine cabinet or first aid kit with the following:
- Sterile latex gloves.
- Wound cleaner or antiseptic solution. Hydrogen peroxide to help prevent infections in minor wounds, such as scrapes or small cuts.
- Gauze swabs for cleaning wounds and sterile gauze for dressings.
- Cotton wool for padding.
- Scissors, forceps (also known as tweezers) for removing splinters.
- Bandages of different sizes and safety pins for securing.
- A roll of elastic adhesive tape.
- First aid dressings.
- Alcohol swabs.
- Burn shield dressings.
- Povidone-iodine broad-spectrum antiseptic cream for topical application.
- Antibacterial creams or ointments containing hydrocortisone and fusidic acid in combination for treating an infected wound.
“Check your home or office first aid kit to make sure you have these basic wound care items, and that the products are safely within the expiry dates to be prepared when a minor injury occurs,” Ebersohn notes.