Using Protection For Proper Wound Care | Instant Help

About

The main objective of wound care is safe and secure protection – to ensure ideal conditions for an undisturbed and optimal healing process without complications.

Why should a wound be protected?

Bacteria can migrate deep into the wound and cause severe infection.

Chlorine can irritate the wound area and delay healing.

Keeping a wound safely protected is very important for the healing process. When exposed, the wound is left defenseless against various elements that can cause infection, swelling or other complications.

MAXIMUM WOUND PROTECTION – MINIMAL SCARRING

Bacteria, for example, can easily enter the body through an open, unprotected wound and cause infection. By migrating deep under the surface of the skin, severe, hard-to-treat infection can slow the healing process, spread and cause other unwanted complications. Water is likewise a threat to wound healing. For example, water may be contaminated with bacteria or contain harmful elements such as chlorine, which can significantly increase the risk of infection and delay wound healing. In addition, contact with water will swell the skin, causing wound closure. In this case, bacteria and germs can easily enter the wound, creating an even greater risk of infection.

Proper protection is key. Depending on the type, size and location of the wound, you’ll need a plaster tailored to your particular healing needs to ensure that the wound is properly protected against external influences and the risk of infection. Once you have found the plaster that’s most appropriate for your wound, follow these recommendations to apply proper care.

Treatment

What does proper wound care look like?

STEP 1

Always wash your hands carefully with soap and water before handling any wound.

The most important thing for a wound is rest. Abrasion and friction on wounds should be avoided.

STEP 2

Next, the impacted area needs to be cleaned. For this purpose, specially made wound-cleansing products such as Elastoplast Wound Spray are used. When necessary, the wound should also be properly disinfected. To assist with cleaning, a sterile gauze pad or clean cloth is recommended. Do not attempt to remove foreign objects lodged in the wound (such as pieces of glass) on your own; this should only be handled by qualified medical professionals.

STEP 3

A plaster should be applied once the wound has been cleaned and the bleeding has stopped. Make sure that the plaster is applied without creasing or stretching in order to promote optimal wound protection.

The expert says:

Photo of Carsten Hartkopf; Research & Development, Beiersdorf AG

Waterproof plasters provide optimal protection against bacteria while still allowing the skin to breathe.

Interview with Carsten Hartkopf,
Research & Development, Beiersdorf AG

“The main objective of wound healing is that the affected skin area heals quickly and properly, without further complications from external factors. This is the only way to ensure the best protection against infection – and infection is the number one threat when it comes to wound healing.

COMPLETE 24-HOUR WOUND PROTECTION?

Water and moisture create swelling of the skin. This can allow the surface area of the wound to be susceptible to bacteria and germs, leading to an increased risk of infection.“

DO PLASTERS SUPPORT WOUND HEALING?

“Plasters provide wound healing support from the moment of injury through the end of the wound healing process. They protect skin tissue from external influences, such as pressure, water, contamination and infection.“

WHICH PLASTER FOR WHICH USE?

“Whether it be scrapes or cuts, there’s a plaster that’s right for each situation. Special water resistant products don’t just guard against moisture, they’re also breathable and thin and thus flexible enough to adapt to the skin’s movements. Because the plasters are designed to flex, they should be applied without creasing or excessive tension.“

OVER WHAT PERIOD OF TIME CAN A PLASTER BE WORN?

“From the beginning, until the wound is fully healed. The plaster should be changed daily, to check the healing process and to allow monitoring for inflammation and/or other abnormalities, as well as for hygienic reasons. Modern, waterproof plasters allow for breathability and are especially skin friendly.“

Solutions

Elastoplast products that protect against water

better protection

The Elastoplast Aqua Protect Plasters provide ideal protection while washing, showering, bathing and swimming. They are 100% waterproof, stay attached to the skin, provide protection and cushion with a non-stick woundpad. To protect smaller wounds on your hands and fingers, there’s the Elastoplast Water Resistant Plaster.

Prevention

How to prevent scars and help wounds heal better

1. It is most important that a wound remains consistently protected. Only in this way can infection and the risk of complications be minimised.

2. Another important factor is rest, which includes not touching the scab (let alone removing it) as well as avoiding friction and pressure from clothing or other outside factors.

3. UV rays and sunlight exposure should be avoided during all phases of wound healing, as exposure to sun can lead to red, visible scars and skin discolouration.

The term “better healing“ doesn’t just apply until the completion of the wound healing process. Even after 10 years, scar correction, also known as scar “remodeling”, is possible with the help of special plasters and ointments. Consult your Pharmacist or a trusted Physician about applicable products.

What else can you do?

To prevent wounds in the first place, consider wearing rubber gloves during washing to guard against cuts.

Be careful about overusing disposable razors while shaving. After the blades begin to dull, it’s natural to automatically apply more pressure, which increases the risk of cuts.

When working with sharp objects such as knives, scissors or saws, approach your task in a calm manner. Working hectically or when overtired increases your risk of injury.

We recommend to contact a medical professional in the following circumstances:

if the wound is deep and causes major bleeding
if the wound shows signs of infection such as redness, warmth, pain and swelling
if there are embedded foreign objects
in case of an animal or human bite
if the wound is in the area of the face
if there is insufficient tetanus vaccination
and of course any time you have questions or are uncertain

Always see your doctor if the wound is deep, bleeding or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.
Also make sure to seek medical help if you are not able to clean the wound properly.
In case you have diabetes, the proper wound care is of the utmost importance. Always discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor and/or podiatrist, even for the care of minor wounds and skin cracks – especially on your feet.

Please note that none of the above tips or recommendations substitute medical advice. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products‘ packages. Important: consult a health professional in case of any uncertainity of treating your wound properly.

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care or advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it, because of something you have read on this website.

For further information regarding Elastoplast products, please contact us via email on Consumer care: ConsumerSA.External@beiersdorf.com or phone: 0860 102 091. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products‘ packages.

Better protection for better healing – Learn more about proper wound care and why it's so important for the healing process.

Why should a wound be protected?

The expert says:

Elastoplast products that protect against water