Open wound care

Stop bleeding

Using a clean cloth or bandage, gently apply pressure to the wound to help the blood clot.

Clean the wound

Use clean water and saline solution (physiological serum) to wash away the remaining material and bacteria. Once the wound looks clean, gently dry it with a clean cloth. The doctor may need to perform debridement to remove debris from severe wounds, including dead tissue, glass, bullets, or other foreign objects.

Cure the wound with antibiotics

After cleaning the wound, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Ask your doctor about the type of antibiotic ointment that you can use for the center of the wound and the type that you can use around the wound.

Wrap and cover the wound

Clean wound dressings help heal faster. Gauze and waterproof bandages are suitable for minor wounds. Deep open wounds may require stitches. However, an infected wound should be left open until the infection is gone.

Replace the dressing regularly

New Wound and Dressing Center recommends removing old bandages every 24 hours and checking for signs of infection. Disinfect and dry the wound before reapplying a clean gauze or adhesive bandage. Remember to keep the area clean during the healing period.