Proper wound cleansing, treatment, and protection from contamination can prevent infections. The following three simple steps are recommended for infection prevention.

CLEAN the Wound

Clean the wound and surrounding area gently with mild soap and rinse with water. Blot dry with gauze pads. These sterile gauze pads prepare the wound for the next step without introducing contaminants.

TREAT the Wound

Treat the wound with antibiotic ointment to protect against infection.

PROTECT the Wound

Protect the wound by covering it with a gauze pad to absorb fluids and prevent further contamination. Handle only the edges of the gauze pad. Secure with first aid tape to help keep out dirt and germs.

For people with diabetes, poor circulation can result in a slower healing process, so preventing infections while aiding the body’s natural healing process is important. Covering any wounds with first aid tape and gauze can help prevent infection and speed healing by keeping infection and germs out. For years, people have believed that keeping wounds uncovered to let them air out helps them heal faster. Extensive research has proven this is untrue.

A covered wound…

• Heals more efficiently
  Sterile wound covers help absorb a wound’s fluids and maintain a natural moisture balance that is ideal for healing. Skin cells are able to migrate seamlessly – without drying out and developing into a scab – to form new, smooth tissue.
• Decreases the chance of scarring
  Keeping a wound covered until it heals can prevent a scab from forming, thereby minimizing chances of scarring.
• Has less chance of infection
  Sterile wound covers help prevent exposure to water, dirt, and germs.
• Enjoys superior protection
  The extra cushioning provided by first aid covers protects a wound from re-injury until it is completely healed.
  
  

An uncovered wound…

• Dries out and forms a scab
  Scabs impede the healing process by creating a barrier between healthy skin cells. The cells have to work their way under the scab in order to form new tissue and heal.
• Has a greater chance of scarring
  Scabs formed from leaving a wound uncovered often result in unwanted scars.
• Has a greater chance of re-injury
  When the body forms a scab, it’s nature’s way of protecting against germs. However, scabs can be scratched or torn, causing re-injury that prolongs healing.