A wound is any break in the skin’s surface. This means that cuts, scrapes, scratches, punctures (holes), and bites can be considered wounds. There are many different causes of wounds, and it is essential to know which you should seek medical care for immediately and which you can take care of at home. If you have diabetes, you should treat any wound with great seriousness and seek immediate treatment from a wound care specialist in Tamarac to avoid severe complications and potential amputation.
While at home, you can take care of your wound in different ways to prevent it from getting worse. Read on to learn more about the home remedies for different types of wounds.
Table of Contents
1. Clean the Wound
Wash your hands with soap and water before you touch the wound. If the wound is bleeding, put pressure on it for several minutes to stop the blood flow. Once the blood has stopped, gently wash away any dirt or other debris from the wound using lukewarm water and a mild cleanser that does not contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. If the wound is profound or has lots of dirt, pus, or debris that you cannot clean away by simply washing it with water and mild soap, seek medical attention as there might be an infection.
2. Get a Tetanus Vaccine
Even if you haven’t suffered a cut or puncture wound that breaks the skin, it is always important to get vaccinated against tetanus. Tetanus is caused by bacteria usually found in soil, dust, and manure. If your wound becomes infected with this bacterium, you should seek medical attention immediately so that you can take proper medication to avoid any permanent damage.
3. Apply Antibiotic Creams and Ointments to the Wound
You should always apply an antibiotic cream or ointment to a wound as they help fight off bacterial infections and promote faster healing. However, it would help if you never used an antibiotic cream on a puncture wound, as this might push dirt deeper into your body. In such cases, it is best to seek medical attention so that a specialist can thoroughly clean the damage before it is bandaged.
4. Avoid Foods that Slow Down Healing
While your wound is healing, it is essential to follow a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals. However, if you are on certain medications or have other dietary restrictions because of allergies or medical conditions, speak to your doctor about the best foods for quick wound healing. For example, avoid foods that contain high cholesterol levels, such as egg yolks and red meat, because these can slow down wound healing.
5. Treat the Pain
If your wound is excruciating, take over-the-counter pain relief medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to soothe the area and ease any swelling. You can also take a warm bath with Epsom salt to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
To summarize, you should seek medication for any wound to avoid severe complications down the road, especially if you have diabetes. You can also take measures such as cleaning the wound and treating the pain to manage the symptoms. You should also get a tetanus vaccine and avoid foods that slow down the natural healing process.