Investigate Problem

How Do I Clean A Wound?

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proposes Did you properly wash your hands before cleaning the wound?

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Most common questions used to investigate

Did you properly wash your hands before cleaning the wound?

If the wound is bleeding, did you apply pressure to it?

Did you rinse the wound with clean water?

Did you apply an antibiotic cream/ointment after cleaning with water?

After applying the cream, did you bandage the wound properly?

Common conclusions

Clean your hands using soap and water or hand sanitizer, then put on disposable gloves, if possible. Do this before you touch your wound or treat someone else’s burn, cut, or scrape. Clean, covered hands help prevent infections.

Use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to gently press on the wound until bleeding stops (small cuts and scrapes may not require pressure). Elevate (raise) the affected part, if possible. If blood oozes through the cloth or gauze, leave the covering on the wound. Place another clean piece on top and continue to apply pressure.

Rinse the wound in clear water to loosen and remove dirt and debris. Use a soft washcloth and mild soap to clean around the wound. Don’t place soap in the wound. That can hurt and cause irritation. Use tweezers to remove any dirt or debris that still appears after washing. If the wound can’t be cleaned, call a doctor.

Over-the-counter skin antibiotics, like Neosporin or Polysporin, help keep the skin moist and ward off infection. It’s not always necessary to use these if you have a minor cut or scrape. But applying a thin layer can boost your body’s natural healing process and reduce scarring. Stop using the cream or ointment if a rash appears.

Place a clean, sterile, nonstick bandage on the wound after cleaning it. This helps keep out germs. You can find a variety of bandages and tape at your local drugstore. Paper tape may be less irritating to sensitive skin. Change the bandage at least once a day or when it's wet or dirty. Be extra careful to cover any cuts or wounds on areas that tend to get dirty or germy, like your hands or feet.

After cleaning the wound, remember to not pick at any scabs as they are part of the healing process and picking at them might leave a scar.

References
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Hi! I’m Muneeb. My background is in Electrical Engineering, IT and General Sciences . I enjoy writing about electronics, DIY and Self-Help. I’m always in pursuit of interesting materials and I love reading books and blogs about new technologies, IT solutions or DIY guides. You can find me on LinkedIn at: [www.linkedin.com/in/muneeb-babar-]