In our daily life, we may encounter various cuts and scrapes. Therefore, proper wound care is an essential skill that everyone should have. Even a small wound can become a big problem if not handled properly.

Before treating the wound, you should judge the severity of the wound. If it is only a small wound, you can simply treat it yourself. If the wound is serious and needs to be stopped and sutured, you must go to the hospital immediately.

Here are steps you can take for wound care at home.

Washing your hands with soap first

Cleaning the wound with dirty hands will increase the risk of infection. Therefore,  before treating the wound, wash your hands with soap and rub in water to get rid of the germs and bacteria of the injury

Hemostasis

Appropriate pressure can be applied to the wound to allow the blood to clot, being careful not to apply excessive force. A clean cloth or bandage must be used when applying pressure to the wound.

Cleanning the wound

When the bleeding stops, it is best to wash the wound with clean water. When cleaning, it can be gentle to avoid aggravating the injury and causing the wound to bleed twice.

Applying antibiotics

Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound to prevent wound infection and bacterial growth.

Covering the wound

You must cover the wound with a sterile wound dressing. The purpose is to protect the wound from external factors as it heals. If the wound is small, you don't have to cover it with a sterile dressing or a simple bandage. However, for medium-sized wounds, it is best to cover them with sterile dressings and tape. Do not pull the wound dressing too tightly or too loosely. It should fit nicely around the wound so it doesn't slip off, but it shouldn't cut off circulation to the area either.