A wound is an injury or cut to the skin. The severity of wounds depends on the cut’s depth, location on the body, and how much surrounding skin is damaged. Wounds are a common occurrence that is usually the result of an accident. However, sometimes wounds appear without being caused by external factors such as blades or objects. Wounds can be severe depending on their depth and size. If you have a deep wound that has gone through several layers of skin, it can be life-threatening because not only does it affect your skin, but muscle and bone as well. You may need to see a specialist in Wound Care in Fort Worth for treatment. You can manage minor wounds at home with the following tips.
Clean the Wound
Maintain the cleanliness of the wound by ensuring that it is free from dirt and debris. You can wash away foreign objects in running water to ensure proper hygiene. If you cannot remove all foreign substances entirely, visit your doctor or medical professional for treatment. When cleaning a fresh wound, you should avoid using antiseptics and disinfectants because they can irritate the skin. It would be best to avoid hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, iodine, and alcohol to ensure that you do not cause more damage than good.
Dress the Area
After cleaning a wound, you should dress it in a sterile bandage or gauze. You can buy these from your local pharmacy or one of the many urgent care facilities in Fort Worth. Dressings will help protect the skin from dirt and foreign objects that easily cause infections. If too much blood or fluid is coming out of the damage, you should apply pressure directly to it.
Cover the Bandage with Clothing
The bandaged area will need to be covered so that it does not contact anything. Fabric can irritate open wounds and cause further damage if not adequately covered. While some people opt for traditional bandages, others wear clothing over the bandaged area. If you wear clothes that cover the wound, pick something loose enough not to irritate the injury further.
Get a Tetanus Vaccine
Tetanus is a bacterial disease that affects the nervous system. In extreme cases, it can cause painful muscle spasms, seizures, and even death. To avoid tetanus, you should get a vaccination for it immediately after suffering an injury. The CDC recommends that adults receive a new vaccine every ten years. If you did not realize that you were due for a tetanus vaccine, you should visit your local clinic or medical facility.
Watch Out For Infections
It is vital to keep a watch out for signs of infection. If you have sustained an injury, it may begin to swell, which can cause the skin to crack. This break of the skin creates an entry point for an infection that could eventually spread throughout the body and become life-threatening if not taken seriously or treated correctly.
In summary, you should not take wounds lightly. You can manage minor wounds at home by cleaning the affected area and dressing the wound. Also, cover the wound with a bandage and get a tetanus vaccine. Seek medical attention if you notice any signs of infection.
