How to Reduce Wound Infection Rates
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Warm water
- Tweezers
- Bandage
- Washcloth or gauze
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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5
Change the bandage if it gets wet or soiled. Wash the wound with soap and water each time you change the bandage.
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