Tips for Cleaning, Treating
and Protecting Minor Wounds
(NC)–A recent Ipsos-Reid survey indicated that an
overwhelming majority of Canadians have a lot to learn when it
comes to treating minor wounds. A staggering 88 per cent of
Canadians incorrectly believe that a wound heals best when left
uncovered to ‘breathe’ or air out, and 92 per cent
mistakenly think scabs are a healthy part of the healing
process.
"The best way to protect a wound is to cover it with a
bandage until fully healed. Bandages that absorb a wounds fluid
and maintain a natural moisture balance are ideal for healing
and enables skin cells to migrate together to form new
tissue," says Dr. Kevin C. Moran, Scarborough General
Hospital. "Letting a wound scab actually slows this process
and can lead to unsightly scars and increased discomfort and
pain, especially for children."
The results of the survey should help to dispel the myths
held by millions of Canadians and shed light on the proper
procedures to follow when caring for minor cuts and scrapes.
Following BAND-AID® Brand’s easy-to-remember "Clean,
Treat & Protect" regimen will help maximize the healing
process.
Clean, Treat & Protect calls for all minor wounds to be
thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic wash as soon as possible
to remove dirt, then treated with an antibiotic ointment to
stave off possible infection and lastly protected with a bandage
until the wound is fully healed. According to the survey, 56 per
cent of Canadians do not clean their wounds with an antiseptic
wash and only half (50 per cent) even bother to apply a bandage.
"No matter how small the cut, Canadians need to be
educated about proper wound care procedures and understand that
it is essential in minimizing the risk of infection," says
Moran. "With summer being the time of year when minor
wounds are most prevalent, as children and adults alike become
more physically active, the news comes at the right time."
Facts about Mior Wound Care
You probably think you know all the facts when it comes to
the topic of minor wound care – if you cut your finger, just
dab a tissue on it and you’re ready to go! Unfortunately it is
not as simple as that. Minor wounds deserve special treatment in
order to heal most efficiently and minimize the appearance of
scars. So before you peel off that bandage make sure you know
the difference between the facts and the misconceptions on minor
wound care.
Misconception: It is best to let a minor wound heal over
with a scab.
Fact: Scabs actually impede the healing process by
creating a barrier between healthy skin cells. The cells have to
work their way under the scab in order to form new tissue and
heal. Scabs can also be easily torn or scratched, causing
re-injury.
Misconception: It is best to let a wound
"breathe" or air out.
Fact: The best way to protect a wound is to cover it with
a bandage until fully healed. Bandages that absorb a wounds
fluid and maintain a natural moisture balance are ideal for
healing and enables skin cells to migrate together to form new
tissue.
Misconception: It is best to leave a wound uncovered.
Fact: Covering a wound with bandages is essential to
wound care: a bandage provides extra cushioning and protection
from any re-injury that may occur, as well as preventing
exposure to water, germs and dirt.
With safety in mind, a variety of advanced care products have
been created to treat all minor wounds, including BAND-AID®
Brand Hurt-Free™ Antiseptic Wash – a cleanser
featuring an anesthetic to help ease the throbbing of minor
wounds – and BAND-AID® Brand Water Block Plus™
Finger-Wrap – designed to stay on fingers when wet. For more
information on first care contact the BAND-AID® Brand website
at www.bandaid.com
- News Canada
