Cuts

From WildernessWiki.org

ADVISORY:
These recommendations are not meant to be used as a substitute for the advice of a personal physician or trained medical professional. Whenever possible, seek individualized, professional advice and care.

Treated laceration

Basic Wound Care

A very common concern and occurrence in the wild is a cut or laceration of the skin. Before beginning treatment the caregiver must clean and sanitize their hands, and preferably put on latex gloves. To prevent possible infection it is necessary to clean and irrigate the wound as early as possible. Hydrogen peroxide and tincture of iodine are two commonly available antiseptics, which can be used to clean a minor cut or abrasion. Soap and water can also be used to irrigate the wound in the absence of such antiseptics.(2) Any particulate or loose materials (such as dirt or rock) should be removed from the wound during cleaning as these can present a source of infection. After the wound has been properly cleaned, an antibiotic ointment should be applied to help prevent infection. A bacitracin/polymyxin-B mixture is the best choice and is readily available at any pharmacy.(1)

When dressing the wound, a piece of sterile gauze large enough to cover the entire wound should be selected. The gauze or bandage should be of a non-stick/ non-adhesive type, so that any exudate secreted from the wound will not bind to the bandage as the wound heals and be torn off when the bandage is removed. If the bandage or gauze does not have any kind of built-in adhesive, an adhesive tape will need to be applied to secure it (preferably all around the edge of the bandage in a ‘picture frame’ method).(3) This tape should be hypoallergenic in nature, so that it does not tear or irritate the skin when it is removed.

If the wound is more severe, a secondary bandage should be applied on top of the primary bandage. The secondary bandage will absorb excess exudate and aid in wound compression, as well as to offer extra protection from the elements. All wound dressings should be changed with a fresh bandage every 24 hours, or if the dressing becomes wet.(3)

References:

Pray W. Caring for Minor Wounds. US Pharmacist. 2006;31(4):16-23.
Chan E, Benza R. First-Aid Products and Minor Wound Care. In: Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, 11th ed. Washington D.C.: American Pharmaceutical Association; 1996:579-599.
Nykamp D. When and How to Give First Aid. US Pharmacist. 25:6.
Spruill W, Wade W. Diarrhea, Constipation, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In: Dipero, JT, Talbert RL, Yee, GC, et al. Eds. Pharmacotherapy, 6th ed.McGraw-Hill; 2005:680-81.

--W. Stewart 11:05, 28 January 2008 (EST)

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