Any simple accident can cause us an injury, this type of injury can be superficial so we can treat it at home, or deep and more serious, requiring immediate medical attention. In any case, be clear about the steps to heal a wound and the first aid measures that we must follow is essential to guarantee our well-being or that of the person we are caring for. That is why at ONsalus we explain in detail how to act in the event of this type of injury to heal or care for it until a doctor can take over.
First of all, and before doing anything to heal the wound, Wash our hands with soap and water and, if possible,, we will put on surgical gloves. If we do not have them, we must ensure that our fingers do not directly touch the wound, as we run the risk of promoting an infection.
The second step to healing a wound is to wash the area and assess the damage. The ideal is to use a gauze soaked in physiological serum to clean the injury, but if it is not available you can use a clean gauze or cloth soaked in water. Using paper or cotton is not recommended as these materials can leave residue on the lesion.
Once the wound is clean it is very important to assess the damage. If the injury contains pieces of any material, do not remove it, it could be serving as a plug to prevent bleeding, in these cases it is best to go to a medical center immediately. If the injury is causing bleeding and a lot of blood is spurting from the wound, it is essential to try to contain the bleeding and go to the emergency room to receive medical attention.
When cleaning the area we will proceed from the inside of the wound to the outside, the process must be carried out with energy but without abruptness, trying to drag with the movement the possible impurities, such as earth, sand or dirt in general. Remember that if you detect the presence of any large material inside the lesion, it is best to see a professional.
If the bleeding is abundant we will place a gauze or cloth on the wound and press with the palm of the hand, when it is soaked we will place another gauze or cloth on top without removing the first one and continue pressing until the bleeding stops. It is important not to remove the material that is in contact with the wound so as not to break the layer that is forming on the skin and that will help stop the bleeding.
When the wound is clean, we will dry it with light taps and apply an antiseptic on it to help prevent infections.
If the hygienic conditions that surround us and the place where the wound has occurred allow it, it is better to leave it in the air to favor its healing, if not, we will cover it with a gauze trying to change it often.
These steps to heal wounds refer to minor and superficial injuries for which it is not necessary to go to a medical center. If it is a deep or large woundit is best to see a medical professionalIt is also recommended that a specialist treat the injury if:
- The bleeding does not stop despite trying to compress the wound.
- The wound contains materials inside such as glass, metal, etc.
- It is a very deep lesion or it is in delicate areas such as the eyes, neck, abdomen or genitals.
- If the affected person is a child under one year old, an elderly person, a person with coagulation problems, diabetes or a compromised immune system.
- When the affected person shows clear signs of shock, is very cold or loses consciousness.
- When the injury was caused by a metallic object that could be rusty or due to an animal bite.
- If after having healed the wound it shows persistent redness, pain, oozes pus or liquid or has a bad smell.
This article is merely informative, at ONsalus.com we do not have the authority to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to go to a doctor in the event of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
