Staph Wound Cleansing

The knowledge base concerning infected wounds has increased remarkably. Wound cleansing is considered one of the most important procedures a patient can properly self-perform to promote healthy healing of problem wounds, especially those contaminated with staphylococcus aureus, or "staph." Procedures, techniques and solutions vary greatly and all play an equal part in importance. Of course, it is important for each patient to follow the advice of his physician.

What is Staph?

• Staphylococcus aureus, or "staph," is a species of microbe which is found harmless on human skin. When the skin barrier is breached, in other words "wounded," then the bacteria can enter the wound to produce an infection. The presence of bacteria or other types of pathogens within a wound greatly increases the difficulty of healing a wound. Bacteria can destroy healthy tissue, consume needed oxygen and emit dangerous toxins onto the wound bed.

  Wounds infected with staph can have an "angry" look about them, with the wound bed appearing red and swollen. Pus or other types of drainage may also be present. This drainage presents a particular hazard to the patient, as it can contain high amounts of the bacteria. All drainage must be dealt with during the dressing change to prevent cross-contamination.

Purpose

• Wound cleansing is necessary to remove wound exudate, or the slough left behind as the wound heals. Also, there may be debris and fibers left behind by the last dressing. These must also be removed to properly cleanse the wound surface. Remember, only debris and slough should be removed. Be careful not to damage healthy granulation tissue. This can be identified as being red and looking like "ground hamburger" in appearance.

Materials

• A wide variety of materials are available for wound cleansing. At a minimum, patients should have:

  Soap and water for hand washing
  Latex gloves
  Sterile gauze four-by-fours
  Clean towels
  Saline solution (preferred)
  Clean basin
  Materials to apply a fresh dressing after cleansing.

Procedure

• Wash your hands! Proper hand washing should be vigorous, with the intent of both cleaning and preventing any cross-contamination. Place a clean towel under the affected limb or wound area to catch any falling water or debris.

  Undo the dressings from the wound. If dressings do not easily remove away from the infected wound, soak the wound dressings for a moment with sterile saline solution. Tap water may be used with physician permission.

  Bathe the open wound in saline solution. If individual dose saline "bullets" are available, they may be used to provide a stream of pressure directly to the wound surface. This serves to gently agitate the wound bed to remove debris.

  If drainage is present, it must be carefully washed off of both the wound and any healthy skin onto which it has come into contact. Take note any color, viscosity and odor. Give this information to your physician.

  Gently pat wound dry. Start in the center and move outward, avoiding damage to healthy tissue. This "patting" process also serves to dislodge and remove slough and debris.

  Redress the infected wound according to your physician's instructions. Be careful not to apply tape directly to your skin or wound.

  Dispose of waste materials in trash. Finish by washing your hands!