Wound Care Tips & Tricks to Use at Home

Jun 27, 2023

• Share on Facebook
• Tweet
• Pin it
• Share on LinkedIn

By Jessica Sloan, APRN, Director of the William Newton Wound Healing Center

If you find yourself with an open wound, be prepared to care for it initially. Minor wounds such as scrapes, punctures, or cuts can be managed at home most of the time. However, more severe injuries or animal bites would require immediate medical attention.

After an injury, the body will go into immediate action to repair the wound with its natural healing ability. Blood will clot and form a scab while the white blood cells will invade the wound to help repair the damaged tissues and ward off infection. Red blood cells build collagen and help new granulation tissue. New skin will form over the granulation tissue and wound edges will pull in, making the wound smaller. The scar will form over the wound to protect the new tissue over the wound.

Once you’ve been injured, immediately wash the wound with soap and water, flushing out any debris or bacteria that have been introduced. Dry the injury well after washing — a balance of moisture is needed to aid in healing wounds. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline) over the injury. Afterward, cover with a breathable bandage. Washing with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol is unnecessary because it can damage the tissue and make new tissue growth more difficult.

Injuries that would require medical attention can include:

• Punctures with rusty metal that may require a tetanus vaccination
• Injuries to the face
• Deep wounds or wounds with jagged edges
• Animal bites.

Items to keep at home for minor skin wounds or injuries include:

• Wound wash or soap and water
• Absorbent gauze
• Sterile gauze
• Assorted sizes of rolled gauze
• Assorted sizes of bandages

Are you suffering from chronic or non-healing wounds? The William Newton Hospital Wound Healing Center provides comprehensive wound care for all ages. To schedule an appointment, call 620-222-6205.