Open Wound Care: Step-by-Step Guide for Healing and Infection Prevention

Immediate Care Steps

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the wound.
2. Control bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze.
3. Clean the wound: Rinse with cool running water to remove debris. Avoid harsh scrubbing or hydrogen peroxide, which can damage tissue.
4. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (e.g., bacitracin, petroleum jelly) to keep the wound moist and prevent infection.
5. Cover with a sterile bandage or adhesive dressing. Change daily or whenever wet/dirty.

Ongoing Care & Monitoring

• Keep the wound clean and dry.
• Avoid touching or picking at the scab.
• Watch for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, red streaks, fever, or worsening pain.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamin C, and zinc to support healing.

When to See a Doctor

• Deep, large, or gaping wounds; puncture wounds; animal/human bites.
• Bleeding that doesn't stop after 10 minutes of pressure.
• Signs of infection develop.
• Tetanus vaccination is not up to date.