How to Clean a Wound Right at Home

 

As the weather gets warmer, the time for backyard parties is right around the corner. However, what starts off as a fun day getting ready for a barbeque in your yard can quickly turn into a medical emergency.

Whether you’ve accidentally cut your hand while slicing vegetables or burned your hand while using the grill, cleaning an injury is vital to preventing painful and sometimes fatal infections from arising.

If you’re not sure how to clean a wound to help prevent infections, be sure to keep reading for some of the best tips and tricks to help you stay healthy.

Wash Your Hands

Before you touch the wound, it’s vital to wash your hands. This removes any potential bacteria or dirt from entering the injury.

You’ll want to wash your hands with warm soap and water for at least twenty seconds and use a paper towel instead of a hand towel to dry your hands. This prevents any leftover dirt or bacteria from transferring back to your skin.

Stop the Bleeding

Next, you’ll want to stop any bleeding that may be occurring as a result of the injury. Many smaller cuts will cease bleeding on their own, but if it persists, apply light compression and pressure to help clot the blood.

When it comes to injury first aid, you may also choose to elevate the wound for a few minutes to help slow down the bleeding.

Rinse It Out

Once the bleeding has stopped, you’ll want to remove the compression and begin cleaning the wound. This includes rinsing the cut or injury with fresh, clean water.

Also, knowing what to clean a wound with is just as important as treating it. Though many advise using iodine or peroxide to clean the injury, water will suffice.

Apply Medication

Once you’ve rinsed the wound out with water, you may need to apply medication or antibiotics to help prevent infections. Don’t use too much, though; a thin layer is enough to keep the injury moist without suffocating it.

Many creams or ointments help keep the injury moist and free of bacteria. They also serve to prevent any scarring that could occur as a result of the injury.

Bandage

After the injury has been properly cleaned and the necessary medication has been applied to the wound, you’ll want to use a bandage or dressing. This helps prevent dirt and debris from getting into the injury.

While minor cuts will heal without bandages, deeper wounds will require a clean covering. You can use gauze, bandages, or other coverings from firstaidsuppliesonline.com to help keep your injury safe from infections.

Knowing How to Clean a Wound Is Vital

When it comes to how to clean a wound properly, keeping your hands clean and the area free of any dirt or germs can help ensure it heals safely.

It’s crucial to keep an eye on any injury you’ve sustained, and if the area gets worse, head to your doctor immediately. You should also seek medical attention for any wounds that are extremely deep or long.

If you found this guide to learning how to clean a wound informative, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you’ll find more great first aid tips and lifestyle tricks.