How Are Your Wound Smarts?

Rinsing the wound with tap water helps remove bacteria and loose material. It may be painful, but is necessary. Hold the wound under running water. If there is debris in the wound after you rinse it, use tweezers dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently remove it. Once the wound is clean, gently clean the area around it with soap and water. Dry the entire area by gently pressing it with a clean towel. Never use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on wounds. Talk with your healthcare provider about other advice.

Changing your bandage every day can help prevent infection. When putting on a bandage, be sure that it is not too tight, or it could cut off your circulation.

A wound heals better when it is kept moist. Applying a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the wound before applying the bandage provides a barrier to keep the raw wound moist so it does not dry and die. A bandage can affect:

• How fast the cut heals
• How the cut looks after it heals. This means if the skin has a scar or a change in color.

Your healthcare provider may advise a prescription antibiotic cream or ointment to help prevent infections.

Do not remove a blood-soaked bandage. Instead, put a clean bandage over it, and apply more pressure to the wound. Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about bleeding from a wound.

Ice may actually make blood flow worse to the injured area. This can delay healing. If your burn is minor, hold it under cold water. Then apply an antibiotic cream or ointment and put a dry, sterile bandage on it. You can also use a lotion with aloe vera to soothe the burn. Be sure to put the bandage on loosely. Covering your burn with a bandage can help keep air out and prevent infection. Keep an eye on the burn for signs of infection.

Tiny pieces of wood, glass, or metal may be washed out of a wound with water. Your healthcare provider may need to remove larger pieces. If you aren't sure what to do, call your provider.

Any wound can become infected if you don't clean it or protect it correctly. Infection can occur within 24 hours of the injury. But it can take 3 to 4 days to develop. So watch the wound closely.