Good Idea: Cleaning the Wound Immediately with Mild Solutions

Infections are caused not only by exposure to bacteria and pathogens, but also from contact with the
surface that caused the wound. For example, a tree branch that caused an abrasion could have
bacteria on its surface, as could a kitchen knife that caused an skin puncture.

Flush the wound surface and interior as you can with a mild solution. A saline solution made from a
small amount of salt diluted in water works well since it mimics your body’s internal pH. You can also
use mild or diluted soap in water works well or some purified water, then wipe the surface with clean
gauze.

Take notice of any debris that may be lodged in the wound and remove it with sterile tweezers if
possible. If the debris is deep or dispersed, you should seek emergency care.

Bad Idea: Using Strong Antiseptics to Wash Wounds

Conventional wisdom suggests using disinfectants and antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing
alcohol, or iodine to clean open wounds. Most of these substances are better suited for disinfecting
household surfaces and are far too harsh for use on human tissue. They are more likely to damage
tissue than help it heal.

Good Idea: Applying Pressure

Stopping bleeding quickly can prevent anemia and other conditions that lead to a weakened immune
system and slower healing times during open wound treatment. Cover the wound with absorbent
material like sterile gauze pads or a clean, dry cloth. Maintain pressure for one to five minutes. If the
bleeding does not slow or continues to persist, you will need medical treatment to close the wound.

Good Idea: Keeping Open Wounds Covered and Moist

Medical professionals began to realize the benefits of covered, moist wounds as far back as the early
1960s. At that time, a Dr. George D. Winter published a paper revealing, “Wounds that were kept
moist healed in approximately 12 to 15 days, while the same wound when exposed to the air healed
in about 25 to 30 days.”

Covered, moist wounds transition more quickly into the proliferation phase of wound healing where
new skin and tissue begins to grow. Wounds left to “air dry” periodically will form a crust over the
epithelializing layer, inhibiting the growth of new granular tissue, slowing healing, and encouraging
more scar formation. Dry air can also contribute to cell death for tissues not yet covered by a
protective skin layer.

Keep your open wounds covered with advanced wound dressings like films and hydrogels. These
products are specifically designed to create moist wound healing environments.
Bad Idea: Ignoring Wounds That Do Not Heal or Worsen Over Time

Most open wound treatments for minor injuries reach the proliferation stage within a period of one
to three weeks, meaning the wound is actively healing if being managed through periodic cleanings
and dressing changes.

However, wounds that seem persistent will likely have some sort of complication related to the
healing process. This can include:

Excessive inflammation — swelling that affects the region around the wound

Infection — heat, smells, pain, and other symptoms could indicate infection

Slowed healing — slow wound progression during open wound treatment can mean any number
of problems including autoimmune disease, malnutrition, etc.

If your wound is not healing at a steady rate, it could be infected or complicated by another health
condition. Do not ignore the signs; visit a medical professional as soon as possible.

Good Idea: Taking Control of Your Care

Common over-the-counter wound care solutions may not always be capable of meeting your needs. If
you have one or more open wounds that are not healing properly, you need to take control of your
care and seek medical assistance from a trained professional.