Make Sure You Treat Wounds Properly

Thursday, September 1st, 2022 -- 9:01 AM

Often when people get a cut or a scrape, they don’t think too much about it.

Proper care can ensure most wounds, such as minor cuts and scrapes, heal within a few days and can be handled at home. However, more serious wounds may require medical care. Wounds are injuries that break the skin and often happen because of an accident or the result of surgery or stitches.

Appropriate wound care and treatment are important to avoid serious complications. Without proper care, a wound can turn into a serious infection, such as cellulitis or sepsis.

When it comes to serious wounds, the CDC recommends a person seek medical attention as soon as possible if:

• There is a foreign object (soil, wood, metal, or other object) embedded in the wound;
• A wound is a result of an animal bite;
• A wound is a result of a puncture by a dirty object;
• The wound is infected (pain and soreness, swelling, redness, drainage, or you develop a fever);
• You have signs of sepsis, such as confusion or disorientation, shortness of breath, high heart rate, fever or shivering, extreme pain or discomfort, or clammy or sweaty skin.

“Skin is a protective barrier against bacteria and other foreign invaders,” said Debbie Harris, RN, clinical program director at Aspirus Riverview Wound & Hyperbaric Clinic in Wisconsin Rapids.

“Whether the break in the skin is from a surgery, abrasion, ulcer, or trauma, bacteria can enter, multiply inside, and cause an infection. Minor wounds start to heal around two weeks and are often completely healed by six weeks. If an individual has signs of infection or sepsis or the wound is not showing signs of healing, they should seek medical treatment.”

Wound care involves every stage of wound management. This includes diagnosing wound type, considering factors that affect wound healing, and the proper treatments for wound management. Once the wound is diagnosed and all factors are considered, a wound clinic team can determine the best treatment options.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.