Proper wound care is essential for healing wounds of all shapes and sizes. Whether you are dealing with pressure ulcers, an injured knee, or recovering from surgery, it is crucial that you adopt proper wound care techniques. There is no shortage of misconceptions and doubts regarding efficient wound care methods. Before embarking on a wound care treatment it is therefore important to check the myths and facts related to its care. Proper wound management greatly reduces the chances of infection, helps achieve quick pain relief, and promotes safe wound healing environment.
Here is the list of 7 most common and persistent myths about wound treatment.
Myth #1: Small wounds can be left untreated
Fact: If left untreated, even the smallest cut on the hand or an innocuous scratch on the foot can escalate into a major medical problem. It can be tempting to play down or simply ignore small wounds and cuts, especially if they are not painful, or occur on areas where they do not cause discomfort. Every wound is a sign of trauma to the body and potential entry hole for bacteria to invade our body. All injuries must be washed, cleaned, and bandaged regardless of size, pain, or discomfort to prevent wound infection.
For patients with diabetes, a proper wound care is of special significance. A doctor or podiatrist should be consulted even for the care of small wounds, minor cuts, and skin cracks, especially on the feet.
Myth #2: Itching is normal and a sign of healing
Fact: An itchy wound is not always a good symptom or signal of healing. A tingle and itch around the wounded skin may be a good sign, but only for superficial and surgical wounds. In some cases of post-surgery, it may be actually the indicator of surgical site infection. Itching can also be a sign of allergic reaction to certain medication. If a wound turns red, suppurate, or when the itching turns into a throbbing sensation, immediately consult a medical professional because these could be signs of a spreading infection or abscess that should be treated as soon as possible.
Myth #3: Wound Dressings are a possible breeding ground for germs
Fact: It is a myth that germs and bacteria are comfortable under a wound dressing. It is quite contrary to the fact. Using the right wound dressing to cover up a wound which has previously been cleaned and disinfected protects wound from possible infections. Especially anti-bacterial dressings containing silver as an active ingredient are proven to act against a broad spectrum of bacteria and promote faster wound healing. The silver contained in their wound dressing actually hampers the growth of bacteria. It is ideal for deep, cavity wounds with heavy exudates that are at a high risk of infection.
Myth #4: The deeper the wound, the greater the pain
Fact: It is easy to assume that a wound may be the more painful if it is deeper and vice versa. However, it is just opposite. Due to the presence of a large number of nerve endings just under the top layer of our skin, the superficial abrasions or burns often cause more pain than a deep cut or stab. Also, in case of deep burn wounds, most of the nerve fibers under the skin are destroyed which results in lack of sensation of pain. So it is best to not judge a wound by the degree of pain. Any burns, deep puncture wounds or cuts that bleed profusely should be cared for by a medical professional without delay.
Myth #5: Seawater helps cleanse and heal the wound
Fact: This myth that probably originated with the advent of pirate and adventure novels and has no basis in reality. In theory, salt water can help disinfect some bacteria, but practically seawater can be severely contaminated with a variety of chemicals, germs, and microbes especially near coastal stretches. For this reason, sea water can contribute significantly to the risk of an infection and wound complications. In addition, direct contact with salt water may cause the skin to swell, which significantly delays wound healing.
Myth #6: Development of a scab over the wound is a good sign
Fact: Scabs appears when the wound is allowed to dry up. The scab makes it harder for new skin cells to evolve and cover the wound, especially if the scab is large in size. Scabs can also trap inflammatory tissue and bacteria that can result in infection. If the wound is large in size, it is best to consult a doctor from time to time. Proper wound care will also reduce the chance of leaving a bad scar after the wound has healed.