Treating a wound involves applying material, usually sterile gauze, to a deep cut so that it can protect it and absorb blood. This allows for faster healing from within. A wound that is inappropriately bandaged can close and appear beautiful on the surface, but it does not heal inside, so it is essential to learn how to dress it properly and treat it appropriately.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating an Open Wound
Step 1. Gather the necessary materials
If you are treating an open wound during the healing process, you will need a large amount of the following readily available materials. To change the dressing once or twice a day, you need a lot of gauze and saline, so plan accordingly so you don't have to go back to the pharmacy all the time. You will need the following items:
- Wet sterile solution. You may need a prescription to get a saline solution at the pharmacy, or you can make it yourself by boiling 1 teaspoon of salt in at least one liter of water for five minutes.
- To handle the wound, you will need sterile gloves, clean towels, a clean bowl, and properly sterilized scissors or tweezers in boiling water.
- To dress the cut, you need gauze, bandages for the external dressing, medical tape and cotton balls or cotton buds.
Step 2. Clean the area where you can place your dressing tools
Wounds must be treated in a clean sterile environment. If you are working at home, be aware that the dusty kitchen table and television cabinet are covered in germs that can cause infections. But you have to work somewhere, so wherever you plan to operate, you need to thoroughly wash and disinfect the surface with a disinfectant cleaner before starting the dressing.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before starting. Rub both hands well up to the elbow and keep your nails clean and trimmed
Step 3. Prepare the bandage
Once the work surface is clean, when you are ready to bandage the wound, place a clean cloth over the area. Pour enough salt water or saline solution into a clean bowl. You don't need much, just enough to gently moisten the material to wrap the wound. Open the packages of dressing materials, bandages and tapes, and place them carefully on the towel. Keep it away from the bowl and don't get it wet.
- Cut the gauze to a suitable length and wet it carefully in the saline solution. Never immerse the gauze completely, it is sufficient that it is slightly moistened. If the saline is dripping, the fabric is too wet.
- Many nurses and home care assistants find it effective to cut pieces of medical tape to the desired length and hang them on the edge of the table for later use, so they don't have to unwind the tape when it is needed in the final dressing stage. In any case, organize the space according to your needs and how it is best for you.
Step 4. Wash your hands thoroughly again
You are never careful enough with cleaning your hands, especially if the open wound is deep and rather serious: the infection can be fatal. Keep your hands clean with soap and water, then put on latex gloves for added protection.
Step 5. Gently place the sterile gauze over the wound
Squeeze it to get rid of any excess saline solution. The dressing should be moist, but not dripping. Remove what is needed from the package to cover the entire wound area, but do not wrap too tightly. Gently apply the bandage to the wound, using a cotton swab or Q-tip if necessary.
- Although the gauze must completely cover the wound, it must not be pushed inside. All ends of the gauze that do not cover the wound should be placed neatly on top of the skin and wrapped in the external dressing to secure it securely.
- Be gentle and quick. No specific skills are required to put a bandage on a wound, you just have to work as gently as possible. Depending on the size and shape of the cut, it can be a very easy step or it can take some effort. Observe the patient closely and be reassured that the bandage is not so tight that it causes discomfort.
Step 6. Cover the wound
External dressings should consist of pieces of sponge gauze to cover the first dressing and wrap everything tightly comfortably, protecting the bandage from external factors. Apply a 10x10 cm layer of sterile sponge gauze over the wound, using a sufficient amount to cover the entire area, keeping the edges a little wider on the outside for greater safety.
Apply the medical tape at least 3 to 5 cm beyond the diameter of the wound edge, using the one you previously hung on the edge of the table. Always grab the gauze by the sides, being careful not to touch it too much with your hands to avoid infection
Part 2 of 3: Replace the Dressing
Step 1. Remove the outer bandage
Start by removing the medical tape and gently lifting the gauze from the outer bandage. With a clean hand and gloves, hold the skin around the wound firmly, and with the other hand pull on the external dressing.
- Pay particular attention if you notice dried blood or other infiltrations that may have formed and that have "stuck" the gauze to the wound. Use a cotton swab moistened with saline to gently peel off the bandage if necessary. Work slowly and act extremely cautiously.
- Put all the waste material in a plastic bag and throw it away immediately, and be sure to keep it away from children and pets.
Step 2. Remove the blindfold
Use sterile tweezers or your fingers to pinch the corner of the dressing and begin pulling gently, releasing the wound. Move very slowly and carefully. Focus on clearing the wound, paying attention to any blood crust that has formed between the wound and the gauze. Use the cotton swab to soften the clotted blood if necessary. Remove the bandage completely and observe the wound to make sure there is no flap or gauze particles left.
Step 3. If the wound starts to bleed, apply pressure
Depending on the severity and depth of the wound, it may happen that by removing the dressing it may start to bleed a little again, especially the first time you replace the dressing. In this case, use gauze to apply direct pressure, pressing firmly and evenly for at least five minutes to allow a clot to form to stop the bleeding. Then continue with the dressing.
If you are unable to stop the bleeding or the wound continues to bleed even in the two days following the visit to a doctor, you must return to the hospital immediately and have it checked
Step 4. Check for signs of infection
After removing the bandage, it is necessary to inspect the wound very carefully to check for the presence of infections. Discoloration, excess leaks or unpleasant odors are all signs of an infection, which should be addressed immediately by returning to the hospital and receiving necessary treatment. You will likely be prescribed antibiotics or alternative methods to cover the wound.
For more specific instructions for treating open wounds, read the next section
Step 5. Gently wash the damaged surface with soap and water
With a clean sponge, warm water and antibacterial soap, thoroughly clean the skin around the wound. Do not wet the wound and do not put soap directly on it. Wash only around the cut.
Step 6. Replace the bandage as previously explained
Once you have removed the old gauze and cleaned the area, medicate and bandage the wound immediately, as indicated in the first section, if you have no other indications. Always follow your doctor's instructions and change dressing according to your recovery plan. Some wounds need to be bandaged a couple of times a day, while others require different methods of treatment.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Open Wounds
Step 1. Change the dressing 1-2 times a day
Always follow the instructions given by your doctor regarding the care of an open wound. When the tissue begins to heal, most doctors allow you to dress the wound once a day and eventually prescribe leaving it in the air to speed up the healing process. When the tissue has rebuilt well enough, the external bandage should be sufficient to leave the wound more open and allow it to heal better.
Most wounds should never be wrapped for more than 10 days. Always pay attention to the symptoms and use common sense; if it seems to you that it is healing improperly contact your doctor, as well as if you think it is taking too long to heal
Step 2. Recognize the signs of infection
When changing the dressing, it is very important to check the area closely for any of the following signs of infection. Call the doctor immediately if the patient is having:
- Fever over 38.5 ° C.
- Chills.
- The color of the wound changes from pink to white, yellow or black.
- Bad odor or liquid draining from the wound.
- Increased redness or swelling of the wound or surrounding skin.
- Increased pain or the wound becomes soft to the touch.
Step 3. Do not wet the wound
When treating and caring for an open wound, it is essential to avoid it soaking or being too wet - this can promote infections and prevent complete healing. Let the body do its work and avoid keeping the wound too wet.
You can take a shower, keeping the wound out of the water, after the first 24 hours. Usually, you can wrap the injured area in plastic, or just leave it out of the water stream to keep it safe. Your doctor can give you more specific instructions regarding wound cleaning
Step 4. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns
Caring for an open wound is serious business - if you have any hesitation or doubts about the healing process, you should see your doctor immediately, don't wait for the infection to become more severe. Improperly cared for wounds can lead to blood infections and even gangrene.
