Dry Cloths For Wounds
InterDry® is a skin protectant for the management of skin folds and other skin-to-skin contact areas. It reduces microbial colonization in the fabric. This single-use fabric provides moisture translocation to. First, soak the cloth or gauze in soapy water or in a mixture of sterile water and salt. Then, gently wipe or dab the skin around the wound. Don't use skin cleansers, antibacterial soaps, alcohol. Rinse the skin before applying chlorhexidine topical. Apply only enough medicine to cover the area you are treating. Do not apply this medicine to deep cuts, scrapes, or open skin wounds. To use chlorhexidine topical soap, apply only enough to cover the area you are treating. Wash the area gently, then rinse thoroughly with plain water.
Understanding wound types can help lead to using the right dressing.
The basic approach to wound care management is to keep the area moist – but not excessively so – to encourage the proper healing process, according to Medscape. But because there are different types of wounds, there are various forms of wound coverage needed. According to Wound Educators, there are more than 3,000 types of wound dressings.
Knowing a few basics about the various types of wounds can help you understand which bandage may work best. Here are a few of the most common wound types and the forms of dressing generally required.
For dry wounds:
A hydrocolloid dressing is beneficial for wounds that may dry out quickly. They are able to keep the area moist and free from bacteria and oxygen that can affect the healing process. It is also beneficial to autolytic debridement, the process in which old tissue is removed utilizing moisture retentive dressings.
For draining wounds:
While it’s important to keep wounds moist, they can sometimes be too moist if exudation is present, stated Wound Care Advisor. Exudative wounds – those which expel an excessive amount of the liquid that is produced by the body’s response to tissue damage – require a highly absorbent dressing such as calcium alginate. In addition, the longer, rope form of the dressing is especially suited for treatment of deep wounds.
For wounds with extreme exudation:
Hydrofiber or impregnated dressing can be used on wounds that drain excessively. The specific dressing is either a gauze, sponge, rope or strip that is soaked with an agent (emulsion or oil) or compound. The most common solutions are saline, oil, petrolatum or zinc salts (which have been discovered to be important in the wound treatment process, according to Wounds Research). On a very exudative wound, the dressing will have to be changed at least twice a day.
For infected wounds:
With deeper wounds where there is the chance of heavy bacterial infection, irrigation with a Dakin solution and acetic acid, apply a hydrofiber-silver dressing to control exudation.
For wounds covered with dry eschar:
Caused by burns and pressure wounds, eschar is dead crusty tissue that falls from healthy skin as it develops on the wound, according to Healthline. The eschar can be tan, brown or black in color. In this state, the wound can’t really be classified because the condition underneath can’t be seen. Because of this, it’s easier to merely protect the wound by applying povidone iodine until the covering dries up and falls away.
For wounds in difficult-to-bandage areas:
Wounds such as ulcers that are located on heels or on the sacrococcygeal area (tailbone), a more comfortable and flexible dressing is needed such as a thin hydrocolloid. In the sacrococcygeal area where maintaining moisture may be an issue, a wafer hydrocolloid may be needed.
Advanced Tissue is the nation’s leader in delivering specialized wound care suppliesto patients, delivering to both homes and long-term care facilities.
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Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 16, 2020.
- Care Notes
- Aftercare Instructions
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. Cellulitis may go away on its own or you may need treatment. Your healthcare provider may draw a circle around the outside edges of your cellulitis. If your cellulitis spreads, your healthcare provider will see it outside of the circle.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call 911 if:
- You have sudden trouble breathing or chest pain.
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your wound gets larger and more painful.
- You feel a crackling under your skin when you touch it.
- You have purple dots or bumps on your skin, or you see bleeding under your skin.
- You have new swelling and pain in your legs.
- The red, warm, swollen area gets larger.
- You see red streaks coming from the infected area.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- Your fever or pain does not go away or gets worse.
- The area does not get smaller after 2 days of antibiotics.
- Your skin is flaking or peeling off.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics help treat the bacterial infection.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children under 6 months of age without direction from your child's healthcare provider.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him or her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Elevate the area above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop the area on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Clean the area daily until the wound scabs over. Gently wash the area with soap and water. Pat dry. Use dressings as directed.
- Place cool or warm, wet cloths on the area as directed. Use clean cloths and clean water. Leave it on the area until the cloth is room temperature. Pat the area dry with a clean, dry cloth. The cloths may help decrease pain.
Prevent cellulitis:
- Do not scratch bug bites or areas of injury. You increase your risk for cellulitis by scratching these areas.
- Do not share personal items, such as towels, clothing, and razors.
- Clean exercise equipment with germ-killing cleaner before and after you use it.
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diapers, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food. Use lotion to prevent dry, cracked skin.
- Wear pressure stockings as directed. You may be told to wear the stockings if you have peripheral edema. The stockings improve blood flow and decrease swelling.
- Treat athlete's foot. This can help prevent the spread of a bacterial skin infection.
Follow up with your healthcare provider within 3 days, or as directed:
Wet To Dry Wound Healing
Your healthcare provider will check if your cellulitis is getting better. You may need different medicine. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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