How to Care For Wounds: Expert Q&A with Dr. Shawn Naqvi

Introduction: Welcome to the Personic Health blog! Today, we are excited to have Dr. Shawn Naqvi, our CEO and seasoned physician, join us to discuss the critical topic of wound care. Proper wound care is essential for preventing infections, promoting healing, and ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients. In this Q&A, Dr. Naqvi shares expert tips on how to care for wounds effectively.

Q1: What are the first steps someone should take immediately after getting a wound to ensure proper healing?

A1: The first step is to reach out to a wound care provider as soon as possible. Before the first wound care assessment, cleanse the wound site with normal saline (wound wash, which can be purchased at a local pharmacy). Keep the wound covered as much as possible to avoid injury and environmental exposure.

Q2: Why is it important to keep a wound clean, and how often should it be cleaned and dressed?

A2: Keeping a wound clean is essential to prevent infection. Wounds can harbor bacteria, known as bioburden, which can delay healing. To minimize bacterial growth, cleanse the wound with OTC normal saline or a product like Vashe, a gentle antibacterial wash available online or at some pharmacies. The frequency of dressing changes depends on the amount of drainage or exudate from the wound. Initially, most wounds require daily to twice-daily dressing changes. As healing progresses, this can be reduced to every other day or a few times a week.

Q3: What signs indicate that a wound might be infected and in need of medical attention?

A3: Signs of an infected wound include heat, tenderness, and color changes in the tissue (from red to pink or even purple). Patients may also experience fever, chills, malaise, and a general feeling of unwellness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Q4: Are there specific dietary recommendations or supplements that can help accelerate wound healing?

A4: Proper nutrition is crucial during the healing process. Protein and metabolic needs increase, so consider discussing supplements with your healthcare provider. Diabetic patients might benefit from diabetic-friendly drinks like Glucerna. Other options include Boost and wound-specific supplements like Juven, which contains amino acids and micronutrients to support healing. Additionally, simple OTC multivitamins and vitamin C can be beneficial for wound care patients.

Q5: How can patients minimize scarring and improve the overall appearance of a healed wound?

A5: To minimize scarring, it’s best to consult a wound care provider who can safely remove or debride tissue from the wound bed, allowing healthy tissue to develop. While scarring is sometimes unavoidable, depending on the wound’s location and cause, it often reduces over time as the tissue remodels for up to a year after healing.

Conclusion: We hope you found this Q&A informative and helpful. Proper wound care is essential for your health and well-being. If you have any questions or need professional in-home wound care services, don’t hesitate to contact Personic Health.

Thank you, Dr. Naqvi, for sharing your expertise with us today!