Recently, Grandpa Li accidentally fell and suffered multiple abrasions on his hands, feet, and knees. Fortunately, there were no other serious injuries, and he only needs to rest at home and change the dressings regularly. However, the recent hot and humid weather has made wound care a challenge, and Grandpa Li's family is worried about infection affecting the healing process...
Grandpa Li came to the hospital's general outpatient clinic accompanied by his family. The outpatient doctor introduced them to the key points of wound care in summer. It turns out that summer wound care is not just about changing dressings; attention must be paid to multiple aspects such as cleaning, dressing selection, and dietary regulation. The key to summer wound care is "cleanliness, dryness, and infection prevention."
Proper Cleaning
Elderly people have weaker skin repair abilities, and bacteria multiply quickly in summer. Wounds need to be gently rinsed daily with saline or povidone-iodine to remove surface dirt and secretions, avoiding the use of strong irritants like alcohol-based disinfectants.
After cleaning, let the wound air dry naturally or gently pat it dry with sterile gauze. Do not rub vigorously.
For dressing selection, prioritize breathable sterile gauze or specialized adhesive bandages.
If the wound exudes a lot, use highly absorbent foam dressings. Check daily and replace immediately if damp or contaminated to prevent bacterial growth.
Keep the Wound Dry
Maintaining wound dryness is very important in daily care.
When bathing, patients can temporarily cover the wound with waterproof dressings or plastic wrap to avoid water exposure; after sweating, promptly dry the skin and change into dry clothes to prevent sweat soaking.
Avoid frequent friction between the wound and clothing or bed sheets by wearing loose, soft cotton clothes to reduce irritation to the wound.
Elderly people who are bedridden for long periods should also be turned regularly to prevent pressure on the wound and ensure proper blood circulation.
Dietary Regulation
Elderly people can appropriately increase protein intake, such as eggs, fish, and beans, to promote tissue repair; eat more vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and kiwifruit, and zinc-containing nuts and lean meat to boost immunity.
Additionally, it is essential to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as tobacco and alcohol delay wound healing and increase the risk of infection.