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5 Wound Care Myths

Wound care myths are on the rise. So when it comes to treating and healing minor injuries like scratches and scrapes, or even more serious wounds like burns and ulcers, it can be difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. We’ve rounded up 5 commonly-heard wound treatment myths and we’re to clear the air.

This is part 1 of a two-part article. To read part 2, click here.

1. Wounds need to breathe

This myth is false. The myth goes that wounds should be cleaned and left open as it needs air to heal. But this is unfortunately not true, and wounds should be covered for a number of reasons.

A covered wound has less chance of being exposed to bacteria or other potentially harmful microbes. A plaster or bandage will also provide some sort of cushioning or support that stops the area from being further injured. And finally, studies conducted on this topic have shown that wounds that have been kept covered and moist have reduced inflammation and show better blood cell regeneration than uncovered wounds. It is recommended that wounds be kept moist and covered for about five days for optimal healing.

2. You should clean wound with alcohol

This myth is false. Although alcohol has been deemed one of the better solutions for cleaning wounds due to its bactericidal effect, it has a great number of drawbacks. Alcohol is not a good choice for cleaning a wound because of the burning and stinging sensation it evokes on broken skin, and it is not suitable for children for exactly this reason. It is also not suggested to be used on sensitive wound tissue as it may cause further damage to sensitive tissues and prolong the healing time. It is therefore recommended to use products free from alcohol for wound debriding and disinfecting.

Rather pick up a bottle of BluLyte Wound Care, which is gentle on even chronic wounds and sensitive skin, and is safe for use on infants. To learn more about why you should use BluLyte Wound Care to clean wounds, click here.

3. Slow healing wounds could be cause for concern

This myth is true. Wounds that take an abnormally long time to heal may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as diabetes mellitus, circulation issues, heart problems, autoimmune diseases, or even just advancing age.

On average, a wound will take 4-8 weeks to heal depending on the severity. If it has not healed within this time frame, it may be time to consult a medical professional in order to speed up the healing process.

4. Wound care should include antibiotic ointments

This myth is false. You do not need antibiotics for the treatment of minor scrapes and sores. While antibiotics may keep a wound area moist, it can also lead to swelling or contact dermatitis. In some cases, open wounds have been aggravated by the use of topical antibiotics and have shown slowed wound healing capabilities. Even surgical wounds do not show a reduced rate of infection when treated with topical antibiotics, and the possibility of developing antibiotics resistance increases.

Antibiotics may be needed if the wound shows no sign of healing over an extended period of time or if it shows signs of infection. In this case, a doctor or other healthcare provider may prescribe a topical antibiotic. But in most cases, good wound cleaning and dressing without the use of antibiotics aids in effective wound healing.

BluLyte Wound Care makes for an optimal wound care treatment. It is an effective antimicrobial but does not lead to itching, swelling or other inflammation that has been seen with topical antibiotics. Likewise, HOCl, the active ingredient in BluLyte Wound Care, does not contribute to microbial resistance and is effective in breaking down biofilms. Read more here.

5. Itching means your wound is healing

This myth is true to an extent. During the wound’s healing process, proinflammatory cytokines are produced by your body to fight infection. These cytokines often produce an itching sensation. Along with this, an increased histamine level has been found in healing wounds which also creates that itchy feeling. So yes, itching may indicate that your wound is healing, however there are a few things to be on the lookout for.

If the skin around your wound is very red, swollen, or showing signs of suppuration, it’s time to visit a doctor. These are the symptoms of an infection and should be addressed quickly to stop the infection from progressing.

If you would like to learn more about BluLyte Wound Care technology, click here to visit the website. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us to find your nearest BluLyte distributor, click here.

Resources:

  1. https://www.relias.com/blog/top-5-myths-about-wound-care
  2. https://www.lanermc.org/community/lane-health-blog/4-wound-care-myths-you-shouldnt-believe
  3. https://www.elastoplast.com.au/first-aid/wound-care/10-myths-about-wound-healing
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/01/health/01real.html
  5. https://www.stpetes.org/stories-news/stories/myths-about-wound-healing
  6. https://www.aafp.org/afp/recommendations/viewRecommendation.htm?recommendationId=150
  7. https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/consultations/does-itching-indicate-healing/

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