If you have an open wound or a wound that is healing, it may ooze fluid. The fluid may be clear, yellow, or contain a small amount of blood. A small amount of clear discharge is usually not a big problem as long as the wound heals. So don't be too scared! However, go to the doctor immediately if the wound becomes infected or does not heal. The doctor will treat your wound until it heals. When treating a wound, you should change the bandage regularly. In addition, you can speed up healing by changing your lifestyle.
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Part 1 of 3: Treating New Wounds
Step 1. Go to the ER if the wound is severe
If the wound is large and continues to ooze fluid, such as a puncture wound in the skin more than 1.5 centimeters deep, or a severe burn (covering a large area with blisters), you should go to the ER. If the wound is not too severe and only bleeds a little, the usual quick treatment may suffice.
- For puncture wounds, seek emergency care immediately if they are caused by a bite (animal or human), very deep, by a metal object, or continue to bleed despite pressure. Also go to the doctor if the wound is dirty, in a joint, or on the head, chest, neck, or scrotum (scrotum).
- Quick treatment can also be useful for less severe burns.
Step 2. Wash the area with soap and water
Place the wound under running water. Scrub lightly with antibacterial soap (if available). If you don't have one, you can use a mild body or hand soap. Wash the wound area, and make sure all dirt and debris is completely removed.
For burns, continue to rinse the injured area with cold water for 5 to 10 minutes
Step 3. Apply gauze or a clean bandage to the wound to stop the bleeding
If the wound still bleeds after washing, apply light pressure. Keep pressing the bandage or gauze on until the blood doesn't come out anymore. Gently wipe the blood that is around the wound.
- If sterile gauze is not available, you can use a clean tissue.
- If the wound continues to bleed, call emergency services (ambulance numbers: 118 and 119).
Step 4. Go to the ER if the wound continues to bleed
Some types of wounds may need stitches to stop the bleeding. If the wound doesn't stop bleeding, keep pressing on the wound and go to the hospital. By doing so, your wound will be treated and your doctor will give you the appropriate advice.
Step 5. Go to the doctor or emergency services if the wound becomes infected
Be on the lookout for signs of infection even if you have gone to the doctor. Some signs of infection include the appearance of pus, swelling, redness, or a warm feeling around the wound. Go to the doctor immediately if you experience these signs.
Go to emergency services if you have a fever and feel chills associated with a new wound. Nausea and vomiting can also be problematic. This may be a sign that the body is struggling to fight off the infection that has appeared in the wound
Step 6. Go to the doctor if the wound has a cloudy, smelly discharge
Some types of wounds naturally ooze fluid. For example, a blister from a ruptured burn will inevitably ooze fluid. However, the discharge should be pale in color and odorless, not cloudy and smelly.
Step 7. Go to the doctor if the wound doesn't heal
If your wound starts to ooze more fluid or looks worse after a week has passed, go see a doctor to have it healed. Maybe you have an underlying health problem that makes the wound worse.
The wound may not heal within a week, but it will get better
Step 8. Ask your doctor if you need a tetanus shot
Wounds can provide a way for bacteria to enter the body, including the bacteria that causes tetanus. If you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years, your doctor may give you a tetanus shot as a preventative measure.
If you can't remember the last time you got it, your doctor may suggest that you get a tetanus shot
Step 9. Ask your doctor about medications and bandages to treat the wound
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help the healing process. Maybe the doctor will also bandage the wound using a certain method. So, focus your attention when you are at the doctor's clinic.
You may also need to take oral antibiotics for certain types of wounds
Warning:
Do not apply topical ointments, such as petrolatum (petroleum jelly) or antibiotic creams to a oozing wound, unless directed by your doctor. Ointments can block the wound's drying process, which will exacerbate the infection. Maybe the doctor will give you oral antibiotics to treat the infection.
Part 2 of 3: Healing Wounds that bleed
Step 1. Wash your hands before and after changing the bandage
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm water. Make sure you also scrub the area between your fingers and under your nails before rinsing thoroughly.
Washing your hands can keep the wound from getting bacteria
Step 2. Change the bandage at least once a day
Wounds that ooze fluid allow bacteria to stick to the bandage. So you have to replace it to speed up healing. Once a day is sufficient if the bandage is not too wet. However, if the wound is oozing a lot of fluid that is soaking the bandage, you should change it every time the bandage gets wet.
If you haven't already, let your doctor know if your wound is draining a lot of fluid and doesn't heal. Doctors can diagnose the problem and treat the wound properly
Step 3. Carefully remove the old bandage
Peel off the bandage or tape at the corners, and pull it along the skin, not lifting it up. If anything is sticky, wet the area with gauze or a clean tissue that has been dipped in the saline solution. Pull the bandage under it and dip the gauze in the saline solution again if necessary.
Throw the old bandage in the trash
Step 4. Clean the wound using a saline solution
Soak clean gauze in the saline solution. Gently apply the gauze in the center of the wound. Do this in a circular motion. Wipe the liquid that comes out with a saline solution. If the gauze has become soaked with wound fluid, replace it with a new one and dip it in the saline solution. After the wound fluid is removed, wipe the wound area again with clean gauze that has been soaked in saline solution.
- If a saline solution is not available, clean the wound by rinsing it with tap water. This is useful for preventing infection.
- Do not clean the wound from the outside to the inside because it can allow bacteria to enter the wound.
Step 5. Choose a bandage that fits the wound
Bandages containing calcium alginate may be suitable for this purpose. This type of bandage can absorb a lot of fluid without causing harm to the wound. You can also use a hydrofiber bandage. Both types of bandages can be used for wound fluids that only flow a little or a lot. Consult with your doctor to find out which type of bandage is most suitable for you.
In some cases, the doctor may apply skin protection to the area around the wound. This can be a film that can be glued on, or a liquid that must be applied. This is useful to keep the skin from weakening due to the fluid that comes out of the wound
Step 6. Apply a new bandage when the area is dry
Dry the wound area by patting it with a clean tissue. Cut the bandage to the required size. Add the cream recommended by the doctor to the bandage, then apply it to the wound. Apply tape around the bandage so it doesn't fall off or slide. Be careful not to put the tape on the wound.
Antibiotic ointment can also be used on most wounds, but consult a doctor first
Step 7. Avoid using antiseptic creams or sprays on the wound
Over time, these products can damage the skin around the wound, which can hinder the healing process. Instead, only use soap and water to clean the wound, or a saline solution if your doctor recommends it.
Part 3 of 3: Accelerate Healing with a Healthy Lifestyle
Step 1. Eat a balanced diet containing protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
If the wound doesn't heal quickly, you may be eating a less nutritious diet. Be sure to eat a variety of vegetables and fruit each day, along with lean protein, such as chicken, fish, beans, or tofu.
- Aim to eat 3 to 4 servings of protein each day. The size for one serving of meat is equal to 1 deck of cards.
- Include whole grains, such as whole grain breads and pastas, quinoa, oatmeal, buckwheat, and bulgur.
- Vitamin C is very useful. So, eat fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, oranges, kiwi, broccoli, red peppers, and tomatoes.
Step 2. Keep the body hydrated to speed healing
While you don't have to drink a certain amount of water every day, make sure you're getting enough fluids while healing the wound. Drink when you are thirsty and try drinking a few extra glasses of water. If the body is properly hydrated, the urine will be clear in color. Dark urine indicates that you are dehydrated.
When the wound oozes fluid, the body will need fluids to replace it
Step 3. Quit smoking while you are healing the wound
If possible, you should completely quit smoking. However, if you can't do that, at least try not to smoke while you're undergoing a chronic wound healing process. Smoking can slow down the body's natural process of healing. This can delay the wound healing process.
- Talk to your doctor so he can help you quit smoking. For example, your doctor may give you nicotine gum, patches, or pills.
- Tell your family and friends about your efforts so they will help you stop smoking.
- Join a group that also wants to quit smoking if you really want to quit smoking permanently.
- Do other activities during the time you usually smoke. For example, if you smoke after eating, take a walk instead.
Step 4. Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes
People with diabetes have a high risk of infection and can make wounds difficult to heal. It is very important to control blood sugar so that you can heal wounds properly. Follow your doctor's instructions and monitor your blood sugar to help speed healing.
