Slicing onions, falling down, or even paper cuts: Wounds happen. When cuts or other wounds occur, simple steps can help speed the body’s natural healing process. Here are some fantastic reminders of the Mayo Clinic Women’s health source on wound care tips.

Cover, press, and clean. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing and apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. Utilize tap water, bottled water or sterile saline in washing the wound. Seek medical help if the individual needs stitches, you can’t clean the wound or perhaps the injury was caused by animal or human bite. Seek also medical attention if it has been 10 years or longer since the person got his last tetanus shot.

Medicate. Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the wound. Cover the wound with a heavy lubricant similar to petroleum jelly in order to create a barrier to keep the wound moist. Don’t use betadine, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide since these substances interfere with the wound’s healing.

Keep area moist. Experts now advice to cover the wound with sterile dressing to create a warm, moist environment, which is the best condition for wound healing.

Be well dressed. The best kind of dressing is one that keeps the wound moist as well as the surrounding tissues dry. Utilize a non-stick dressing and gently change it every day or two. Try as well to keep the scab intact. Don’t utilize plain gauze to cover the wound since it can stick to the scab and cause re-injury when removed.

Don’t scratch. Scratching the healing wound can re-open it. Keep in mind that itching is normal part in wound healing even if it’s frustrating.

Eat right and don’t smoke. Healthy lifestyles promote wound healing.

Watch it. If the wound shows signs of infection such as redness, increased pain, swelling or yellow or green discharges, seek medical attention immediately.