Wounds are common and range from acute to chronic wounds. Some wounds can easily heal naturally and with simple wound care techniques, but some could be non-healing, requiring medical intervention. The Bakersfield wound care specialists can help diagnose non-healing wounds to understand why they won’t heal and the right approaches to treat them. This helps prevent infections, severe symptoms, and amputation. You can also take steps daily to promote wound healing and avoid infections and other complications that can lead to amputations or serious issues. Here are some daily tips for wound care.
Changing the Dressing
Once your provider dresses a wound, they will guide you on how to take care of the wound, including undressing and redressing the wounds at home. Generally, you should dress your wound two times a day, and you should wash your hands every time you are about to change the dressing to avoid spreading viruses and bacteria to the wound. When removing the damage, ensure that you follow the direction of your hair to limit skin damage. When the scab is stuck, you can rinse the bandage and gently remove it. Please do not remove it forcefully as it can damage the wound and cause bleeding. Remember to change the bandage any time it gets dirty.
No Scratching and Picking
Sometimes it can be tempting to pick or scratch your wound as it heals. Please avoid giving in to the feeling, as it could slow down the healing process. You can ensure that the wound remains covered all the time to resist the urge to rub, pick, or scratch the open wound. Additionally, you can apply an ointment to the wound to keep it moist and prevent itching as it heals, especially when the scab is forming.
Keep Off Strong Antiseptics
To keep bacteria off your wound, please ensure you do not use any strong antiseptics. Products like iodine, rubbing alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide can harm your wound more than good. They can burn your tissues causing further skin damage and scarring. Generally, your doctor will advise you to use petroleum jelly and antibiotic ointment, which are more than enough to maintain your wound clean and sterile.
Cover and Protect the Wound
Many people think that a wound heals faster when exposed to air. Avoid this misconception since it only slows down the healing process and causes scarring. Therefore, it is vital to keep your open wound covered and protected from direct air. Ensure your wound is bandaged, especially when you are outdoors. The bandage should only be off when bathing or cleaning the wound. Even when the wound starts healing with new skin, it is crucial to protect it from situations that can reopen the wound.
Eat Healthily
Your diet choices are crucial when your wound is healing. You should eat healthy foods every day and stay hydrated to promote wound healing. Taking care of your entire body will ensure that your body supports your wound healing and makes it better and faster. Drink more water to remain hydrated and get crucial vitamins and minerals by eating fruits and vegetables. Also, it is essential to choose healthy sources of proteins like beans, eggs, lean meat, and nuts.
Keep Contact with Your Doctor
As you take care of your wound at home, ensure you work with your doctor. This means contacting your doctor whenever something is not clear about the instructions and talking to them when you experience complications. Also, go back to your doctor if you realize your wound is not healing as intended.
The Heart Vascular and Leg Center wound care specialists can help you manage your non healing wound. You can book a consultation appointment and evaluate the reasons behind your non healing wound and learn what can be done to promote healing.