Wounds
Overview
- Cleaning a wound prior to applying a plaster or dressing helps reduce the risk of infection and encourages healing
Cleaning technique (NHS)
- Wash and dry hands and wear disposable gloves if possible
- The affected person should preferably sit or lie down for most of this technique
- Don’t try to remove embedded objects
- Rinse the wound under running tap water for 5-10 minutes
- Soak a gauze pad/cloth in saline or tap water (or alternatively use an alcohol-free wipe) and gently dab the wound with it
- NB: Antiseptics are not recommended as they may damage the skin and negatively affect the healing process
- Gently pat dry using a clean towel or pad of tissues (i.e. do not use material with fluff/loose fibres)
- Apply a sterile dressing (non-adhesive pad) followed by a bandage/plaster (preferably waterproof)
Controlling bleeding
- A wound typically stops bleeding following application of a plaster/dressing. However, sometimes pressure and elevation above heart level (if it’s a limb) is required. If blood soaks through the dressing, add a further dressing (rather than removing the first) and apply pressure for around 10 minutes
Referral criteria (NHS)
- Call 999 if the wound will not stop bleeding, or if blood is coming out in spurts and is bright red — apply firm, direct pressure while waiting. Otherwise the patient should seek medical advice if the wound will not stop bleeding
- Is very large or very deep
- Has dirt or something embedded in it
- Is very painful (and too painful to clean)
- Is near a major blood vessel or joint (caution is also required if on the mouth, face, hand or genitals, as stitches may be required)
- Appears to be infected (such as if it is: red, inflamed, hot, weeping and/or odorous, or the patient has systemic symptoms such as fever or swollen glands)
- Was caused by an animal or human bite
Advice if stitches are applied
- Keep them clean and dry, and not scratch the area or pick the stitches
- Be aware how to minimise the risk of infection (i.e. don’t play with water or swim, or be exposed to mud, sand, paint or other chemicals until the wound has healed/stitches have been removed) and know the signs that suggest infection is present and hence medical attention required
- Avoid contact sports and potentially other exercise until the wound has healed (seek advice at the time of getting the stitches as this will depend on various factors such as the area of the body affected)
- Return to the GP/nurse to have them removed at the recommended time (some stitches will dissolve and therefore removal is unnecessary)