In life, minor bumps and scrapes are inevitable, such as skin abrasions, cuts from sharp objects, and burns from hot water... This issue introduces common types of wounds and the corresponding disinfectants to avoid pain caused by improper treatment, and also guides the key nutrients needed during wound healing to promote body recovery.

How to treat different types of wounds

1. Superficial abrasions: For very shallow and small wounds, choose to wipe the wound with povidone-iodine containing 0.5% effective iodine. You can use wound dressings or band-aids for slight protection. If the wound has dirt, first rinse with saline or clean water, then clean with povidone-iodine.

2. Contusions or crush injuries

If the skin at the injured area is intact with only slight redness, swelling, and pain, you can observe first without immediate treatment. For minor skin damage, treat it as an abrasion. Once skin bruising appears or the contusion/crush injury causes unbearable pain and rupture, seek medical attention promptly.

3. Lacerations

Small lacerations without obvious bleeding and with clean wounds can be treated as abrasions. For cuts with obvious bleeding or facial lacerations, after temporary treatment as above, seek medical care promptly for debridement, suturing, and other treatments.

4. Puncture wounds, bites, etc.

Exposed rusty nails, glass, wood splinters, etc., that leave deep puncture wounds, or animal bites, carry a risk of infection and tetanus and should be treated at a hospital promptly. After injury, some simple first aid can be done: squeeze out a small amount of blood, rinse with saline (or running water), then disinfect with povidone-iodine. Remove any remaining foreign objects if possible. Seek hospital treatment as soon as possible.

5. Burns

Immediately turn on the faucet to rinse the affected area, or soak the area in cold water to reduce skin damage and relieve pain. If skin and clothing are stuck together, do not forcibly remove the clothing. Cut away excess clothing with scissors, leaving the part stuck to the skin intact. Cover the wound with gauze or a clean towel and seek medical attention promptly.

6. Postoperative wounds

First: Keep clean, regularly go to the hospital for wound disinfection and dressing changes.

Second: Avoid hot and humid environments.

Third: Wear comfortable clothing, avoid tight clothes pressing on the wound.

Fourth: Pay attention to wound healing; if abnormalities such as bleeding, fever, or increased pain occur, seek medical attention promptly.

Fifth: Maintain diet and rest, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise appropriately, and keep a positive mindset.