What You Need to Know About Proper Wound Care
Caring for wounds the right way is more than just applying a plaster and moving on. Whether it’s a minor scrape, cut, or burn, proper wound treatment helps prevent infection, reduce pain, and promote faster healing. We’ve put together expert tips and best practices to help you take control of wound care confidently. With a few basic supplies and the right know-how, you’ll be ready to deal with everyday injuries and unexpected accidents.
Types of Wounds and How to Handle Them
Before you dive into treatment, it’s good to understand the type of wound you’re dealing with. Wounds usually fall into one of several categories:
- Abrasions – surface-level scrapes, often caused by friction.
- Lacerations – deeper cuts from sharp objects.
- Punctures – small entry holes from objects like nails or needles.
- Burns – caused by heat, chemicals, or friction.
- Blisters – fluid-filled bubbles from friction or burns.
Each one needs a slightly different approach. For example, an abrasion might just need gentle cleaning, while a cut or puncture could require a bandage, antiseptic, and closer monitoring.
Basic Wound Care Steps Everyone Should Follow
No matter the wound type, certain steps apply to all situations:
Step 1: Clean Your Hands
Before touching any wound, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Germs on your hands can easily infect an open wound.
Step 2: Stop the Bleeding
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Most small wounds stop bleeding within a few minutes. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 minutes, seek medical advice.
Step 3: Clean the Wound
Use clean water to wash away dirt or debris. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or iodine directly on the wound as these can damage tissue. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze.
Step 4: Apply Antiseptic
An antiseptic cream or spray helps kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. Use a fresh cotton swab or your finger (wear gloves if available) to apply it.
Step 5: Cover and Protect
Use an appropriate type of sterile dressing. For minor cuts or scrapes, a simple plaster will do. For bigger wounds, gauze pads and medical tape can be used. You can find a reliable stock of plasters and bandages here.
How to Speed Up Healing Safely
Keeping the wound moist and covered can help improve healing time. This doesn’t mean soaking it; it just needs to stay protected so the skin has a chance to regenerate without scabbing too quickly.
- Change dressings daily or whenever they become wet or dirty.
- Let small wounds breathe for 15 to 30 minutes during the day.
- Eat nutritious, immune-supporting foods: vitamin C, zinc, and iron can help support wound healing.
Avoid picking at scabs, scratching the area, or putting pressure on healing skin. These habits slow the mending process and raise the infection risk.
Special Wound Care: Burns and Eye Injuries
Some wounds need extra caution. Burns and eye injuries should never be treated the same way as a cut or scrape.
Treating Burns the Right Way
For minor burns, like touching a hot pan or getting a sunburn, run the area under cool (not cold) running water for 10–20 minutes. Don’t use butter, toothpaste, or ice; these cause more harm.
After cooling the skin, apply a burn gel to reduce pain and protect the injury. Cover it with a non-stick sterile dressing and keep an eye out for signs of infection.
We always recommend keeping a dedicated burn treatment on hand, like the Safety First Aid Evolution Burn Stop Burns Kit. This compact kit fits easily in your bathroom or kitchen cupboard.
If your kit runs out of supplies, try something like the Astroplast Standard Burns Kit Refill to stay stocked and ready.
Eye Injuries Need Immediate Action
If anything gets into the eyes, chemicals, dust, or debris, do not rub them. This causes more harm.
Use sterile saline solution to flush out irritants. Kits like the 2Work eyewash station with eye wash pods are perfect for this. They’re safe, easy to use, and help minimise serious damage. Always seek medical attention if the irritation doesn’t go away or vision becomes blurred.
The Tools You Should Have In Your First Aid Kit
A well-equipped first aid kit is essential when managing wounds on the fly. The basics should include:
- Sterile gauze pads
- Adhesive bandages and medical tape
- Scissors and tweezers
- Antiseptic creams and alcohol wipes
- Burn gel
- Eyewash pod or saline solution
- A small manual with first aid instructions
If you’re looking to upgrade, the A2B Office treatment kits are perfect for homes, schools, and workplaces. They come with all the essentials, so you’re ready for almost any minor emergency.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most minor wounds are treatable at home, you should get medical advice right away if:
- The wound is deep or won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes
- You see signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain
- The wound follows an animal bite or a rusty object that caused it
- The injured area grows numb, or movement feels limited
- You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5–10 years
Always trust your gut. If something feels off, speak to a nurse, GP, or visit urgent care.
FAQs About Wound Care
Q: Should a wound be covered or left open?
A: It depends on the wound. Keeping a fresh wound covered with a sterile dressing helps protect it and supports healing. Letting small cuts breathe briefly in clean environments helps them dry, but covering is best when out and about.
Q: What’s the best way to clean a wound?
A: Rinse it under clean running water to remove dirt. Use saline solution if available. Avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the wound as they can damage healing tissues.
Q: How do I know if a wound is infected?
A: Signs include redness, increased swelling, warm skin around the area, pus, or a foul smell. Pain that increases instead of easing could also signal infection.
Q: Can I use kitchen supplies like cling film or butter for burns?
A: No. These can trap heat or make burns worse. Use cool water to treat burns and then apply a proper gel or dressing made for burns.
Q: Is it okay to use plasters on every wound?
A: Most small cuts and scrapes benefit from plasters. But larger wounds might need gauze pads or non-stick dressings. Choose a breathable material when possible.
Be Prepared – First Aid Supplies for Every Situation
Wound care doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right information and a prepared first aid kit, anyone can take quick, smart actions that support proper healing. Staying calm, clean, and well-stocked is your best defence against infection or complications.
At A2B Office, we stock reliable first aid supplies that help you stay prepared for home, work, school, or travel. Whether you need plasters, a burns kit, or a full restock of treatments, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t wait for an accident to take action. Review your kit today and choose the safety tools you need.
