A cleanser to clean the wound, such as a saline solution. Sterile dressing, like sterile gauze or a pre-packaged dressing. Tape that can fasten and stabilize the wound dressing. Disposable gloves to protect your hand from any debris found in the wound and to protect your wound from harmful microbes on your hand.
Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 40 seconds to a minute. The World Health Organization suggests that you wet your hands. Work up soap into a lather in your hands and then scrub your palms, the backs of your hands, each finger, and all the space in between your fingers—in that order. Rinse your hands with clean water. Dry your hands on a clean towel. [2] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source
Handwashing eliminates most microbes but can leave a few bacteria behind.
You could also use an unopened, sterile bottle of water to clean the wound.
It is normal to see redness and swelling during the first few days after you receive the wound, but any foul smell or draining pus, or exudate, means that your wound is infected. Report these signs to your doctor immediately.
Do not use an antibacterial cream for an extended period of time.
If the dressing is soiled with blood or drainage, or becomes soiled with mud or dirt, you should change the dressing.
You can take a shower to clean yourself, but try to limit the amount of water that gets on the wound. [9] X Research source
Again, if you have a bad smelling odor coming from your wound, pus coming out of the wound, or excessive amounts of pain, call your doctor.
