Wound protection – Learn how good wound protection can support a fast and safe healing

Keeping a wound safely protected is the key to an undisturbed healing process. When exposed, the wound is left defenceless against various elements that can cause infection, swelling or other complications.

 

Bacteria: If left uncovered, bacteria have the potential to enter into the wound, possibly cause infections and delay healing

Water: Waterproof wound protection is essential to prevent the wound from getting in contact with water. Indeed, 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 and can lead to delay in wound closure. Bacteria and germs can then more easily enter the wound, creating an even greater risk of infection.

Moist Healing: Protecting wounds using principles of moist wound healing will support the natural healing process. This is used in hospitals for the treatment of chronic wounds and is proven to heal wounds more safely, completely and quickly, with less likelihood of scarring than if the wound was allowed to dry out.

Wound protection should be part of a good wound care routine. In case of a bleeding wound, stop the bleeding by applying pressure, ideally using a sterile compress. If the bleeding continues, apply more gauze pads and keep pressure on the wound and seek medical advice.

Cleanse: Cleansing the wound from dirt and bacteria is an essential first step to enable optimal healing. To prevent wound infections, spray Elastoplast Wound Spray from a distance of approximately 10cm onto the entire wound area. Repeat if necessary, then gently pat dry the area around the wound.

Protect: It’s important to protect the wound from external influences like dirt and bacteria to enable undisturbed healing. Cover your wound with the Elastoplast plaster or Elastoplast sterile wound dressing that best suits your needs. Change the plaster or dressing daily unless you’ve been recommended to do otherwise by your doctor. You might find this Wound Dressing Know-how article useful.

Heal: For optimal moist healing conditions, apply Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment regularly until your wound has healed completely. Carefully apply a thin film one to two times per day. Make sure the opening of the tube does not get in contact with your wound. Repeat regularly until the healing is completed. This product can be used on open, minor superficial wounds at any stage of the healing process. If necessary, it can be covered with a Elastoplast standard plaster, such as Water Resistant, Aqua Protect, Extra Tough or Sensitive.

Need a waterproof plaster? Elastoplast Aqua Protect offers waterproof wound protection. It is ideal for use while showering, bathing or swimming. Available in a convenient hand set, it is perfectly suited for small wounds on fingers that are going to be in and out of water all day – in the kitchen for example.

Need an Extra Tough plaster? Elastoplast Extra Tough is made for extreme conditions! These tough plasters are flexible and waterproof to provide a truly resilient plaster that’s perfect for a muddy game of football or a weekend of outdoor DIY.

Need a plaster for moveable areas? The Elastoplast Fabric Range works brilliantly when used on small wounds located on joints and moveable parts of the body. These extra flexible plasters stay put by stretching with the skin and the movement of the body.

Need to protect a wound on sensitive skin? Elastoplast Sensitive offers very skin friendly hypoallergenic wound protection. The soft breathable material of these gentle plasters cushions and protects wounds and is painless to remove.

Need a plaster for small everyday wounds? The Elastoplast Water Resistant Range is made for little scratches, burns and small cuts. These all-purpose plasters are breathable, water-repellent and offer protection to all kinds of small wounds.

Always see a doctor if the wound is deep, bleeds heavily or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.

Please note that, although these were compiled with great care, the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website.

Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the leaflets of our products. For further information about our products, please contact us via email at ConsumerRelationsUK@Beiersdorf.com