What is the best way to clean your wounds?

July 12th, 2012

Your skin is the largest organ of the body.  Aside from providing protection from the elements your skin provides protection from billions of bacteria in the outside world ready to invade the sterile environment within.    Whenever you have a cut, scrape, insect bite, or puncture wound, a layer of defense is breached.   Bacteria, especially  the notorious MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) take advantage of this vulnerability and  cause nasty wound infections that lead to infections called cellulitis or abscesses (boils).   You can prevent these by making sure all wounds are properly cleaned.   At the first notice of an injury, wash the area immediately with clean water being sure to remove any debris or dirt on the area. When you have access to an antiseptic such as iodine, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, apply the liquid generously to the area immediately.  Next, apply a layer of bacitracin, neosporin, or other antibacterial ointment.   Finally dress the wound with a adhesive bandage or gauze and tape.   By covering the area, you will prevent the area from being in contact with bacteria in the environment.  It will also remind  you to keep the area clean and dry and prevent you from touching the area.  Potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Staph often colonize the areas just inside our nostrils and you can easily spread them to open wounds by merely touching your nostrils and then the area.

Keeping wounds dry is also important as very dangerous bacteria such as Pseudomonas love warm moist environments.  This bacteria is also known to cause infections after bathing in hot tubs, especially in people who have recently shaved their skin, called hot tub folliculitis.

Tetanus is another bacteria which is a potentially deadly infection that can arise from simple wounds.  It is generally found on rusty surfaces or soil-contaminated areas.   However, any deep cut or puncture wound should be assumed to be a tetanus risk.   Luckily there is a vaccine that everyone should get called TDAP. All adults should be vaccinated every 10 years against tetanus.   If you don’t remember your last tetanus vaccine, there is no harm in getting another.  In fact, it is best for piece of mind as one can never know when you may have an accident.