It is important that you know how to handle infected wounds. You can learn this by enrolling in a first aid class in order to prevent the condition from worsening. Wound cleaning is considered as an important procedure to promote to proper healing of wounds, especially those that are contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus or staph. The procedure for cleaning a staph wound tends to vary depending on each case. Generally, there are important considerations to bear in mind.
What is staph?
Staphylococcus aureus or simply staph is a microbe that is harmless on the human skin. Once the skin barrier is breached or has been opened due to wounds, the bacteria will enter the wound to create an infection. The bacteria will affect the healing of the wound and can destroy healthy tissue, using up the oxygen as well as producing toxins.
Staph wounds appear swollen and red as well as ooze pus in some cases. Take note that the drainage poses as a hazard to the individual since it contains high amounts of the bacteria. The drainage can be dealt with during the changing of the dressings to prevent cross-contamination.
Purpose of wound cleaning
Cleaning a staph wound is vital to remove the wound exudate or slough left behind as the wound heals. There are also leftover fibers and debris that must be removed. You have to remove them properly to cleanse the surface of the wound. Always remember that only the debris and slough must be removed. Proper care must be taken not to damage the healthy granulation tissue that can be identified as red in color with a ground hamburger in appearance.
How to clean a staph wound
The first step is to wash your hands. Proper hand washing aims to clean while at the same time prevent any cross-contamination. Position a clean cloth or towel beneath the affected area to catch flowing water or debris.
Carefully remove the soiled dressing from the wound. In case the dressing could not be easily removed from the septic staph wound, you have to soak the dressing for some time using saline solution. Tap water can be used if allowed by the doctor.
Once the soiled dressing is removed, cleanse the open wound using saline solution. If single dose saline bullets are on hand, it can deliver a torrent of pressure straight to the surface of the wound. This will slightly whisk the wound bed to eliminate any leftover debris or dirt.
In case drainage occurs, you have to carefully wash it off from the wound as well as the healthy skin it comes in contact with. Observe the color, odor and viscosity and report it to your doctor. Pat gently the wound to dry it starting at the center and then moving outward to avoid damaging the healthy tissue. The patting process will also help dislodge and remove debris and slough. Apply new dressing to the infected staph wound and make sure that you will not apply tape directly to the skin or wound. Once the soiled materials are properly disposed, always wash your hands thoroughly.