How to Care For Wounds at Home: What You Need to Know
Our skin is the largest organ in our body. It has many important functions that need to be in good working order so that it can help us fight against bacteria, maintain our body temperature, protect us from physical injury and harmful substances, as well as the environment. When your skin gets hurt or damaged - think scraps, cuts, burns, and bruises - it can lead to problems like infections, rashes, and bedsores if not properly treated.
When it comes to caring for someone with wounds at home, whether it’s bed sores, bruises, cuts, or other injuries, knowing the basics can make a significant difference. At Carewell, we understand that not everyone has a medical background, so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate wound care with confidence.
Learn about different types of wounds
1. Bed Sores/ Pressure Ulcers: These skin injuries usually occur in individuals who are bedridden and/or have limited mobility. They typically develop on pressure points like the back, hips, heels, elbows, and buttocks.
The best form of prevention is moving or repositioning whomever you’re caring for at least every 2 hours to alleviate prolonged pressure to one area.
Action step: It’s important to be proactive with this step. It's your best chance against preventing bed sores or pressure ulcers.
2. Bruises: These are caused by impact trauma directly to the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in discoloration and tenderness. As we age, the skin naturally becomes thinner and isn’t able to withstand the same type of day-to-day friction or pressure.
Action step: It’s important to practice extra care when bathing, dressing, and repositioning to protect the skin from bruising.
3. Cuts: From minor nicks to deeper lacerations, cuts can vary in severity and may require different levels of care. A cut for someone with delayed healing capabilities (due to aging or other underlying disease) can easily lead to infection if not treated appropriately.
Action step: Daily skin inspections will give you a good baseline for overall skin condition, and help you notice if a cut has occurred.
The best first aid supplies to treat wounds at home
When identified in their early stages, skin issues can be treated at home. To do so, we recommend keeping these supplies on hand:
Adhesive bandages: These help to cover small cuts and scrapes and protect them from outside bacteria or friction.
We recommend these options:
Price: $3.50 - $10.12
Price: $26.46 - $36.48
Sterile Gauze Pads: These help absorb blood and protect larger wounds that regular adhesive bandages can’t cover. You should have regular and non-stick gauze on hand.
Price: $3.52 - $16.67
Price: $6.29 - $57.23
Paper Adhesive Tape: This tape secures gauze pads in place.
Price: $3.19 - $15.27
Antiseptic Wipes / Solution: Used for cleaning wounds before applying dressing. Look for the active ingredient “hypochlorous acid” – this helps kill harmful bacteria and irritants.
Price: $8.49 - $32.98
Price: $15.32 - $27.35
Antibiotic Ointment: You can use these to prevent infection and protect wounds. Common brands include Bacitracin and Neosporin.
Price: $5.55 - $688.36
Price: $22.36 - $80.88
Hydrocolloid Dressings: These are ideal for bedsores, pressure ulcers, and wounds that require some moisture retention.
Price: $18.99 - $24.56
Price: $18.20 - $450.98
Price: $11.22 - $193.25
Elastic Bandages: These are great for securing gause dressings or stabilizing sprains.
Price: $11.85 - $25.71
Price: $12.59 - $14.11
Medical Gloves: We recommend putting on a pair to ensure good hygiene when dressing or treating wounds.
Price: $24.72 - $43.68
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How to prevent wounds from progressing:
1. Regular Cleaning: Clean wounds properly with antiseptic to remove any debris and reduce the risk of infection.
2. Keep Wounds Covered: Use appropriate dressings to protect wounds from dirt and bacteria.
3. Change Dressings Frequently: Replace dressings regularly and anytime they become wet or dirty to maintain a clean healing environment.
4. Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye on the wound for any signs of infection or unusual changes. Prompt attention can prevent more serious issues.
5. Manage Pressure: For bed sores, change your loved ones position at least every 2 hours to relieve pressure on bony areas.
6. Maintain Good Hygiene: Ensure that hands and any tools used for wound care are clean to prevent introducing bacteria.
7. Consult Professionals: When in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare professionals for advice or when you notice concerning symptoms.
How to know when to contact a doctor for wound treatment:
It’s time to seek help when you notice the following:
Wound Not Healing/Worsening: If a wound does not show signs of improvement within a few days or seems to get worse, it could be a sign of a problem. Persistent pain, increased swelling, or color changes could indicate complications.
Signs of Infection:
Redness - Increased redness or swelling around the wound area
Swelling - Noticeable and persistent swelling around the wound area
Warmth - the area around the area feels warm to the touch
Foul Odor - a bad smell coming from the wound
Drainage/Discharge - Pus or other unusual discharge from the wound
Fever - A fever can be a sign that an infection has spread. If your loved one has a temperature above 100.4, consult a healthcare provider.
Questions about wound care supplies? Call us!
By being proactive and attentive, you can effectively manage wounds at home and help ensure a smoother healing process. Carewell is here to support you with high-quality products and advice. For any questions or specific needs, call or email at 800-696-2273 or support@carewell.com. Our team is available 24/7 to help you.
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