Keeping A Scratch From Becoming An Infection

Cuts and scratches are a frequent occurrence in daily life and whether you have children or you're just accident-prone you probably find yourself tending to injuries of different severity on a fairly regular basis. Most scrapes and cuts mend on their own with limited care but some might end up getting infected which can considerably compromise the healing process and add further health concerns.

Keeping a wound free of infection as it heals is probably the most crucial reasons for the treatment of a wound the moment it is incurred. By following a very simple protocol you can ensure that your wounds heal quickly and remain infection free.

To begin with the initial step of wound care is always to clean the wound thoroughly. It is important to make sure that you rid the area of all dirt and any debris that may be present. Cleaning should take place first with clean water, bottled is preferred and this should be followed by wiping the area with alcohol, alcohol pads, or by pouring hydrogen peroxide over the affected area. Of course, this may sting but is a necessary part of making sure that you are not allowing any toxins to remain in the cut as it heals. In cases of animal bites it is best to follow up with a physician as soon as possible.

Once the area has been cleaned antibiotic cream ought to be applied to the wound as this will help to ensure that anything that isn't washed away will be fought off by the antibiotics and not become infected. Next you'll need to make sure to cover the wound with non-stick gauze and then wrap with waterproof adhesive tape to make certain water and dirt don't penetrate the wound as it heals.

Bandages should be changed as needed or at least twice during every 24-hour period to ensure the wound is healing adequately and to allow some air into the wounded area. Most infections begin during the first 2 days and therefore it is essential to keep the area clean especially throughout this initial period and if any pink begins to form around the cut it is a sign of infection and more cleaning and antibiotic cream ought to be applied. If the area continues to get red, puffy, and sore then you should have the wound checked out by a medical professional as quickly as possible to avoid a more serious infection.