Step-by-Step Directions for Treating Wounds

Treating wounds is not as difficult as it may seem, and it does not necessarily require special training. However, some wounds do require evaluation and treatment by a qualified medical professional in order to ensure proper healing and to avoid infection. The information provided here is no substitute for professional medical care or advice, and is intended only to provide basic information for treating minor wounds or for use in situations when medical care is not immediately available.

Evaluation

• Determine how severe the injury is and what method of treatment will be most effective. For example, deep cuts may require stitches while a scraped knee can be effectively treated with some antibacterial cream and a bandage. For all head wounds, or if the wound is deep--through several layers of skin-- bones are visible, or there is profuse bleeding, which may indicate damage to veins or arteries, seek professional medical attention immediately.

Cleaning

• Once you have evaluated the wound and determined that professional medical care is not immediately necessary, the next step is to stop any bleeding. Apply firm pressure to the wound, trying to keep the skin closed as much as possible. After you have stopped the bleeding, or at least slowed it enough to begin treatment, gently clean the area around the wound and where possible, the wound itself. Often, simply rinsing the area thoroughly with clean water or saline solution will remove enough blood, debris and germs to prevent infection until healing begins.

Covering

• Cover the wound. This serves several purposes, as it prevents things from getting into the wound, helps keep the skin together so that it can heal, prevents re-bleeding, and holds on any topical treatments like antibacterial creams, etc. which should be applied directly after cleaning the wound and before covering it. Band-Aids or other ready-to-use wound coverings are best, as they are usually in sterile packaging. However, gauze and tape is also a good choice, particularly for larger wounds. If you are in a pinch, though, a clean piece of soft cloth wrapped flat around the wound is also an acceptable covering until the wound can be re-dressed with a more secure bandage.