June is Wound Healing Awareness Month, and Southwest Health System’s director of rehabilitation services, Jodi Harris, offers some advice for wound care.
“Keep your wound clean, covered and moist,” said Harris, a certified wound specialist. “Monitor for any signs or symptoms of wound infection or slow healing. The quicker you begin correct wound care, the better your chances of wound healing.”
What supplies should everyone have at home for basic wound management?
“Have nonstick Band-Aids on hand. There are fabric (bandages) that are more conforming and stretchable. Gauze pads used for cleaning a wound and can be used for a wound dressing when secured with tape.
We want wounds to be moist and covered for optimal healing. Often you can use a petroleum jelly product to achieve this. This should be used initially instead of over-the-counter antibiotic ointments. Ace wraps or elastic bandages can be used to secure dressings and help manage swelling.”
What items are critical to have in a kit when you’re out enjoying the Four Corners?
“You may want to include non adherent dressings such as Telfa. Some type of portable ice pack to reduce swelling, hand sanitizer, and Ace wrap to help secure dressings and manage swelling.”
How do you know if you have an infection?
“If you have new or increased pain in or around your wound, redness, warmth, swelling, increased odor and drainage from the wound, you may have an infection. Inflammation, mild redness and warmth is a normal response your body has to dealing with trauma and can sometimes be confused with infection. Your health care provider ... will help identify if your wound has become infected.”
When is it time to see a would care specialist or health care provider?
Contact a health care provider right away in circumstances including:
If you have uncontrolled bleeding from your woundYour wound is deep or has jagged edgesYou were cut by a rusty or dirty object and have not had a tetanus shot in the past 5 yearsThere is something in your wound that will not easily rinse outIf you notice signs of infectionYour wound does not heal in 2 weeksWhat’s a good plan for healing quickly?
“Attend to your wound as soon as possible, manage swelling, keep it moist and covered. If your wound is draining a lot, change the dressing often, observe your wound for any signs of infection and contact your health care provider. Covering a clean wound will help you heal quickly by keeping it protected and moist. Wounds heal best if not too wet or dry.”
