Importance of Bandaging an Open Wound

Children get all kinds of scrapes and cuts as a part of their growing up, so it is important to know how to prevent them from getting an infection from those injuries. That's where bandages come into play.

Definition

• Any injury to soft tissues is called a wound. An open wound is when the surface of the skin is broken. Examples of wounds are scrapes, cuts and punctures.

Procedure

• Thoroughly clean the wound. If necessary, apply pressure to stop bleeding. Put a sterile dressing on the wound. Use gauze to wrap around the wound, then tie the knot over it.

Types of Coverings

• Dressings and bandages cover open wounds. Dressings are sterile pads and bandages are ̶0;any material used to wrap any part of the body,̶1; as stated by the American Red Cross in its Community First Aid and Safety handbook.

Prevention

• Open wounds need bandaging to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of an infection of a wound are redness, swelling and pain.