Wound Care

Wounds that don’t heal properly leave you vulnerable to pain, scarring, and infection. At Internal Medicine Partners in Naples, Florida, Alejandro Blanco, MD, Ralph Rodriguez, MD, and their team of internal medicine providers provide thorough wound care to ensure proper healing, reduce the risk of complications, and promote optimal recovery. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is wound care?

Wound care is any measure that aims to heal breaks in the skin and prevent complications, such as pain, infection, scarring, and necrosis (tissue death). Proper wound care is essential to protect your skin and avoid additional damage.

Understanding a wound’s severity is the first step in managing it. Some wounds, like minor scrapes and cuts, are manageable with home care and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. Others require specialized medical treatment to facilitate proper healing and prevent potential complications.

Why might I need wound care?

Professional wound care is crucial if you have a skin injury that needs proper cleaning and infection prevention, such as:

Abrasion

Scrapes, scratches, and road rash affect the skin’s surface. While they don’t penetrate the underlying tissue, abrasions can be painful and are prone to scarring without appropriate treatment.

Laceration

Lacerations cut through the skin and underlying tissue and fat. Sharp objects, like knives, glass, and tools, commonly cause these painful cuts. Unlike abrasions, lacerations tend to bleed profusely and can require stitches.

Puncture

Puncture wounds occur when thin, sharp objects pierce the skin. Needles, nails, and other pointy objects can deeply penetrate the skin, leaving long, narrow wounds. They may not bleed much, but these wounds can damage your internal organs and bones without proper care.

Avulsion

Avulsions are traumatic injuries that cause the skin and underlying tissue to tear. They bleed excessively and can severely damage your skin. Explosions, gunshots, and other high-impact injuries are the most common causes of avulsions.

How can I practice wound care at home?

Practicing wound care at home can be effective for minor injuries and cuts that don’t require immediate medical attention. While every wound is different, a few general care tips to protect your skin and prevent infection include:

• Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap
• Apply gentle pressure if the wound is bleeding
• Clean the wound gently with cold water to remove debris
• Carefully pat the area dry with a sterile cloth
• Apply an antiseptic ointment
• Dress the wound with sterile gauze or an adhesive bandage
• Elevate the wound area to reduce swelling

If your wound worsens or heals slowly, contact the experienced wound care specialists at Internal Medicine Partners for professional guidance and support.

Call Internal Medicine Partners today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about wound care.