A skipping knife, a fall on the asphalt … It is easy to hurt. We then say to ourselves that it is enough to disinfect the wound and leave it in the open air “so that it dries”. But in reality, this habit, although widespread, is not only ineffective, but it could also worsen the injury. According to Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor, “Unprotected wound is exposed to environmental bacteria“.
Leaving the wound in the open air worsens the risk of infections
Generally, it is believed that by leaving a wound in the open air, we will accelerate healing. But not at all! “A wound kept in a wet and protected environment heals faster than a wound left in the open air“Specifies Dr. Kierzek.
Without protection, the nerve endings remain raw. “And when the nerve endings remain exposed, this causes more pain.”
What is the procedure to follow, to treat a wound?
Before drawing the antiseptic or the dressing, some basic rules are essential. The first: wash your hands carefully. Then you have to stop the bleeding by direct pressure with a clean compress. The next step, often sloppy, is meticulous cleaning with clear water and soft soap, without forgetting to rinse abundantly to eliminate residues.
Beware of certain too aggressive products: oxygenated water can slow healing. Better to prefer antiseptics recognized as chlorhexidine. It is crucial to disinfect from the center to the outside, without rubbing, and to let act for a few seconds before covering.
Then comes the protection of the wound. A suitable sterile dressing helps maintain ideal humidity for the skin to regenerate. This dressing should be changed regularly – at least once a day – while checking that the wound shows no sign of infection.
When should you consult a doctor or go to the emergency room?
Some wounds should never be taken lightly. Here are the cases in which a consultation is essential, according to Dr. Kierzek:
- The wound is deep (more than 5-6 mm) or exhibits subcutaneous tissues;
- It measures more than 2-3 cm and seems to require stitches;
- The bleeding persists despite 10-15 minutes of compression;
- Foreign bodies (earth, rust) are encrusted in the wound;
- It affects a sensitive area: joints, nerves, tendons, vessels, or the face.
“The signs of infection must also alert you. Redness, heat, increasing pain after 48 hours, purulent or fever flow are as many indicators that should not be ignored” estimates the doctor. “A red line that goes up along an arm or a leg indicates an infection that progresses and requires rapid management”.
If all is well, a single wound is starting to close visibly in 48 to 72 hours. It can then be discovered a few hours a day, provided that healing is well engaged.