Multiple conditions can cause sores and wounds. Wounds can be due to trauma or surgical procedures. Sores can be of an infectious origin, such as from the herpes simplex virus, or from trauma to the skin surface. According to the book "Surgery" by Josef Fischer, regardless of the cause of the wounds or sores, physicians recommend proper treatment of the damaged skin surface to promote the best healing results.
Stop the Bleeding
The first step to wound care is to stop the bleeding. Any time the skin surface is broken, such as from a wound or sore, bleeding will occur. According to the book "Head and Neck Surgery - Otolaryngology" by Byron Bailey, bleeding from most superficial wounds or sores can be stopped just by applying pressure. It is important to seek immediate medical care if the bleeding continues despite pressure.
Apply Antiseptic Cream
According to the Mont Reid Surgical Handbook, infections can prevent the skin from healing after a wound or a sore. Physicians apply antiseptic creams, such as Bacitracin or Soft and Shield, to wounds to prevent infections. An added benefit of those two creams is that they also add moisture to the wound, which helps it to heal faster.
Protective Dressing
Physicians apply protective dressings as a remedy to help heal the wounds or sores. Following the skin damage that caused the wound or sore, it is important to protect that area of the skin from further damage, according to the Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine. Physicians apply non-absorbent gauze to the wounds to protect them from further damage.
Wound Vac
One of the newest technologies to help the healing of wounds and sores is a device called a wound vac. According to the book "Introduction to Surgery" by David Levien, the vac consists of a foam sponge that covers the wound, which is then attached to a tube that applies low negative pressure to the foam. The result is that the edges of the wound are pulled toward the middle and the wound or sore closes faster.
References
- "The Mont Reid Surgical Handbook"; David Fischer; 2005
- "Surgery"; Josef Fischer; 2008
- "Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine; Marc Sabatine; 2004
- "Head and Neck Surgery - Otolaryngology"; Byron Bailey; 2006
- "Introduction to Surgery"; David Levien; 1999
