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This week, I want to talk about wound care. So often, I see patients in the clinic who have tried all sorts of home remedies to take care of their skin rash or wound. I want to tell you about the most common pitfalls I see, and how to take care of things at home to prevent trouble later.
CUTS.
Clean them with warm water and soap, for as long as it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song. Don't use peroxide. Really. It stings, hurts the skin, and can cause a chemical reaction that actually prevents the skin from healing. Just use warm water and soap . Pat dry, and put on a clean bandage. If the wound looks like it needs stitching, don't wait more than six hours. After that it's too late.
SORES:
Don't walk around town with oozing pus coming out of wounds on your legs or arms. Wash them and cover with gauze or wear clean socks. If your skin is open, you are leaking germs on others, and you are open to collecting more bacteria. Wash your sores carefully in the shower. Don't go in the ocean to clean your sores. You risk getting more bacteria there too. If your sores are not healing after one week, or you are diabetic, get seen in the clinic. You will need antibiotics to heal up quickly.
BOILS:
Don't squeeze them. Put a hot compress and allow the boil to settle down. If you are diabetic, or it's getting worse, go to the clinic to get antibiotics. The goal is NOT to get the boil to "pop" or to cut it open. If you take antibiotics early on, you will have an easier time with healing.
Remember, at ExpressCare, we're here for you.
Get in, Get out, Get Better!
'Til next time,
Jitka Lom MD
