Wound Dressings

12 Wound Care Facts: Guide to Wound Healing Myths and Truths

Proper wound care is essential for healing wounds of all shapes and sizes. Whether you are dealing with pressure ulcers, an injured knee, or recovering from surgery, it is crucial that you adopt proper wound care techniques. There is no shortage of misconceptions and doubts regarding efficient wound care methods. Before embarking on a wound care treatment, it is important to check the facts. Proper wound management greatly reduces the chances of infection, helps achieve quick pain relief, and promotes a safe wound-healing environment.

12 Wound Care Facts and Myths for Better Healing

Here is the list of the 12 most common and persistent wound care myths and facts about wound treatment-

Myth #1: Rubbing Alcohol cleans and disinfects wounds

Fact: Alcohol is not the best choice for wound cleaning and disinfecting for a number of reasons. It is not a good antiseptic for open wounds and does not accelerate healing. In fact, alcohol may do more harm than good. Rubbing alcohol around wounded skin can potentially destroy the normal cells and tissues that typically assist in the wound-healing process. Alcohol can cause painful burns when applied to the skin, which is especially bad for children and patients with sensitive skin. Alcohol-free products such as mild disinfectants, warm soap, and clean tap water are much better for immediate wound care.

Myth #2: Keeping the wound open and exposed to air makes it heal better

Fact: The top priority should always be to keep the wound clean and covered by breathable wound dressings that protect the wound from dirt, germs, and bacteria. An open wound increases the risk of infections and may also increase pain or subject to further injury, as it has no protection from the influence of external elements.

Many people tend to apply a dressing or a plaster only in the acute phase of the injury, that is, until the bleeding has stopped. Later, the dressing is removed and discarded as quickly as possible in order to let the wound breathe. However, scientific research suggests that a wound that is protected with a dressing and kept clean & moist heals much faster, without complications than wounds that are left exposed to the air.

Myth #3: Small wounds can be left untreated

Fact: If left untreated, even the smallest cut on the hand or an innocuous scratch on the foot can escalate into a major medical problem. It can be tempting to play down or simply ignore small wounds and cuts, especially if they are not painful or occur in areas where they do not cause discomfort. Every wound is a sign of trauma to the body and a potential entry hole for bacteria to invade our body. All injuries must be washed, cleaned, and bandaged regardless of size, pain, or discomfort to prevent wound infection.
For patients with diabetes, proper wound care is of special significance. A doctor or podiatrist should be consulted even for the care of small wounds, minor cuts, and skin cracks, especially on the feet.

Myth #4: Itching is normal and a sign of healing

Fact: An itchy wound is not always a good symptom or signal of healing. A tingle and itch around the wounded skin may be a good sign, but only for superficial and surgical wounds. In some post-surgery cases, it may be the indicator of surgical site infection. Itching can also be a sign of an allergic reaction to certain medications. If a wound turns red suppurate, or when the itching turns into a throbbing sensation, immediately consult a medical professional. These could be signs of a spreading infection or abscess that should be treated as soon as possible.

Myth #5: Wound Dressings are a possible breeding ground for germs

Fact: It is a myth that germs and bacteria are comfortable under a wound dressing. It is quite contrary to the fact. Using the right wound dressing to cover up a previously cleaned and disinfected wound protects the wound from possible infections. Antibacterial dressings containing silver as an active ingredient are proven to act against a broad spectrum of bacteria and promote faster wound healing. The silver contained in their wound dressing actually hampers the growth of bacteria. It is ideal for deep, cavity wounds with heavy exudates that are at a high risk of infection.

Myth #6: The deeper the wound, the greater the pain

Fact: It is easy to assume that a wound may be more painful if it is deeper and vice versa. However, it is just the opposite. Due to the presence of a large number of nerve endings just under the top layer of our skin, superficial abrasions or burns often cause more pain than a deep cut or stab. Also, in case of deep burn wounds, most of the nerve fibers under the skin are destroyed, resulting in a lack of pain sensation. So it is best not to judge a wound by the degree of pain. Any burns, deep puncture wounds, or cuts that bleed profusely should be cared for by a medical professional without delay.

Myth #7: Seawater helps cleanse and heal the wound

Fact: This myth probably originated with the advent of pirate and adventure novels and has no basis in reality. In theory, salt water can help disinfect some bacteria, but practically seawater can be severely contaminated with a variety of chemicals, germs, and microbes, especially near coastal stretches. For this reason, seawater can contribute significantly to the risk of infection and wound complications. In addition, direct contact with salt water may cause the skin to swell, which significantly delays wound healing.

MYTH #8: Hydrogen Peroxide keeps the wound clean and helps faster healing

Fact: Hydrogen peroxide can definitely be used for wound care in some cases, but it is not an effective solution for cleaning open lacerations. The chemical can potentially cause irritation in the wounded area. Due to the toxicity of hydrogen peroxide, it is best to consult with a doctor regarding its appropriate dosage and usage. Hydrogen peroxide can kill healthy tissues that are vital to healing the wound. Cleaning cuts or wounds with hydrogen peroxide can be harmful rather than helpful to the overall wound healing process. Washing the wound with clean tap water is any day better than using hydrogen peroxide.

MYTH #9: Development of a scab over the wound is a good sign

Fact: Scabs appear when the wound is allowed to dry up. The scab makes it harder for new skin cells to evolve and cover the wound, especially if the scab is large in size. Scabs can also trap inflammatory tissue and bacteria that can result in infection. If the wound is large in size, it is best to consult a doctor from time to time. Proper wound care will also reduce the chance of leaving a bad scar after the wound has healed.

MYTH #10: Antibiotics are a must for wound treatment

Fact: While topical or oral antibiotics can be used to treat infected wounds, there are times when taking antibiotics is absolutely unnecessary. The antibiotic should only be taken when there is an infection or when the wound shows no signs of healing, even after a week. Overuse or inadvertent use of antibiotics can render them ineffective against bacterial resistance and hamper the natural healing process by our body's immune system. Therefore, antibiotics should only be taken as advised by a medical practitioner.

MYTH #11: All wound dressings are similar and interchangeable

Fact: To the naked eye, all wound dressing seems somewhat similar in nature. However, there are different wound dressings with varying benefits for each wound type. For example, Hydrogel dressings create a moist environment that promotes healing. It is comprised of 90 % water in the form of a gel. Hydrogel dressing simplifies granulation, dead tissue removal, and epidermis (outer skin) repair. Alginate dressings are highly absorbent dressings made from seaweed. These dressings maintain a moist environment to promote healing. They are a good choice for wounds that exude a lot of liquid. Honey dressings are quite popular for the management of wounds and burns. They contain active manuka honey, providing a moist, occlusive environment that is conducive to optimal wound healing. A silicone dressing is coated with a soft silicone layer and does not stick to the moist wound bed. They are suitable for patients with sensitive skin and for managing existing and new hypertrophic scars. Choosing the right wound dressing is crucial for faster wound healing.

MYTH #12: Donut cushions heal pressure ulcers

Fact: Sustained pressure on the skin can result in pressure ulcers. Donut cushions are often sold by pharmacies to treat pressure ulcers. However, there are no scientifically proven benefits of using Donut cushions to treat bed sores or pressure ulcers. These cushions often make the pressure sore worse.  On the other hand, Absorbent dressings and Heel Pillows can provide relief from pressure ulcers.

The benefits of proper wound care are numerous for you and your family. Don’t shy away from seeking medical help if you are not able to clean and disinfect the wound properly. Proper wound management techniques and right-wound care dressings make it easier to get back to normal life quickly.

Where to buy Wound Healing Products online?

Health Products For You has been online since 2002 to cater to the needs of its clientele across the globe. We at HPFY understand the need for effective and pocket-friendly wound care supplies that are readily available and easy to use. Find all that you need to heal faster and better without straining your pockets. Shop from us and get exclusive discounts and reward $ on every purchase you make. Place your order today!

 

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