Table of contents:
- The wound feels sore when cleaned, does not mean it will heal faster
- Cleaning the wound using PHMB antiseptic solution is not painful, but it is still effective
- The steps to clean the right wound
- 1. Clean with water
- 2. Apply antiseptic solution
- 3. Immediately cover the wound with a bandage
It seems that almost everyone has been injured by a fall or a sharp object. However, no matter how small the wound, don't underestimate it. Wounds on the skin must be quickly cleaned in a proper way so that they do not become infected. Well, but why do wounds sting when cleaned? The advice of parents since ancient times said that if you feel sore is good, because it is a sign that the red medicine is effective against bacteria. Is it really like that? Check out what the doctor said below.
The wound feels sore when cleaned, does not mean it will heal faster
When met in Kuningan, last Wednesday (5/9), dr. Adisaputra Ramadhinara, a wound care specialist, explained that the burning sensation that occurs when cleaning wounds really comes from the contents in disinfectant wound cleaning fluids such as rubbing alcohol.
Alcohol is a disinfectant that is intended to kill bacteria and germs to sterilize wounds. On the other hand, alcohol is also irritating and drying out the skin. This is what causes the painful sensation that we have felt when cleaning wounds.
However, the stinging sensation is not necessarily effective for wounds. Applying rubbing alcohol will actually help the wound heal longer. The reason is, "disinfectants such as alcohol are not safe for skin tissue that has already been damaged, so it actually hinders the healing process of wounds and increases the risk of scarring or ulcers," said dr. Adi, his nickname.
Cleaning the wound using PHMB antiseptic solution is not painful, but it is still effective
Ideally, for the wound to heal quickly, the area of the wound should be kept moist. Not at all dry or very wet. These two conditions are precisely what is prone to triggering an infection.
Still on the same occasion, dr. Adi suggested cleaning the wound using an antiseptic solution which is safer for the skin so that it heals quickly. For example, iodine or polyhexanide antiseptic solution (polyhexamethylene biguanide / PHMB).
Both of these medicinal substances work as effectively to kill germs as alcohol disinfectants, but they are proven to be safer for damaged skin tissue so they don't hinder the wound healing process. PHMB antiseptic solution, in particular, does not cause the wound to sting when applied to the wound.
The steps to clean the right wound
As the first and only wound specialist in Indonesia who has received a CWSP (Certified Wound Specialist) certification from the American Board of Wound Management, dr. Adi then explained the proper step by step to treat the wound. Curious?
1. Clean with water
First, clean or flush the wound with running water to wash away dust, gravel, or other foreign particles that can infect the wound. Afterward, let it sit for a while or gently pat the area with a clean cloth to soak up the remaining water.
Remember not to wipe the wound until it is completely dry. Keep the area moisturised to speed up the overall healing process for the skin tissue.
2. Apply antiseptic solution
When applying antiseptic solution to the area of the wound, do not press too hard or spray too close to the distance. This method will force the drug content to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, so that it becomes ineffective because the damage only occurs on the surface.
So, apply the liquid slowly so that the drug content remains on the surface of the skin.
3. Immediately cover the wound with a bandage
No matter how small the wound, you should immediately cover it with a bandage to keep it moist. This method also helps to keep the antiseptic liquid content on the skin surface, aka it doesn't evaporate and dry quickly.
Covering the wound with a plaster, said dr. Adi, will make it heal faster than leaving it open. The reason is, leaving the wound "naked" will open the opportunity for germs and bacteria from the surrounding air to land on the wound. This is what puts you at risk for a wound infection.
Don't forget to change the plaster at least every other day. Every time you change the plaster, clean the wound first with an antiseptic solution and leave it for a while until the condition is damp, not wet. Then cover again with a new sterile plaster.
