Wound Care
Helping a care reipient one heal from minor or chronic wounds or post-surgical recovery can feel overwhelming. And if the person you care for is older, healing can take longer and they may be more sensitive to pain.
The following tips can help you treat wounds at home using ordinary first aid methods and products that prevent infection and minimize pain:
Wound care tips for caregivers
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A “wound” occurs when skin is torn, cut, sore, bruised, punctured or similarly damaged. |
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Stop any bleeding by applying gentle pressure with sterile gauze -- elevating the wound area above the heart. If bleeding does not stop in five minutes, professional help is needed. |
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A covered wound heals better. Cover the wound with thick, quality sterile gauze that won’t stick. Secure the gauze with hurt-free tape or wrap that sticks only to itself or that won’t pull at sensitive skin when removed. |
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Cleanse the wound area with water and sterile gauze. Soap can irritate it, so try to avoid contact in the wound itself. Gently pat dry. |
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After cleansing, apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment, which acts as a barrier to infection. |
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Be sure to change the dressing each day, and whenever it becomes wet or dirty. |
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If the wound does not appear to be healing it may have become infected. See a doctor immediately if you notice any sign of infection. |
Following these tips will help your loved one heal as quickly and as comfortably as possible.
Find related products:
This information was brought to you courtesy of Johnson & Johnson First Aid.
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