How to Reduce Wound Infection Rates

Wounds can easily become infected without the proper care and maintenance. The chance of infection drastically increases when the skin is punctured, opening a window for bacteria to enter the body. When an abrasion or puncture wound occurs, you must protect your body against infection. With a little knowledge on how to treat a wound, you can help it to heal faster and prevent infection from spreading through your body.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Warm water
• Tweezers
• Bandage
• Washcloth or gauze

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before every time you touch the injured area. This practice greatly decreases the amount of infection-causing bacteria that have contact with your wound.

• 2

  Clean the wound initially with soap and warm water for at least 15 minutes. Gently scrub with a washcloth or gauze to remove debris.

• 3

  Use clean tweezers to gently remove any remaining dirt and debris. Rinse the wound under water again if smaller debris will not clear out. It is important to clean the cut thoroughly from the onset to prevent infection later.

• 4

  Apply a bandage to the wound to prevent any foreign objects or bacteria from entering the body. Avoid using antibiotic ointment. It does not help the wound to heal quickly and may also cause antibiotic resistance.

• 5

  Change the bandage if it gets wet or soiled. Wash the wound with soap and water each time you change the bandage.