Dr. Zoe Williams & wound care expert Elastoplast share how to protect against infection as we step into Summer
After a tough winter, we are ready and raring to get outside and enjoy the better weather! But with outdoor adventures come inevitable cuts and scrapes, and the risk of infection from dirt and bacteria.
Dr. Zoe Williams and wound care expert Elastoplast are on hand to help, providing tips on how to treat injuries so we can spend less time worrying about infection and discomfort, and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Identifying Wounds
Almost any area of the body can suffer from a cut or graze, but how do you know the difference between wound types and the best way to treat each bump or scrape?
❖ A cut is an area of severed skin that has been penetrated. As the skin is fully broken, the wound will often bleed and have slightly gaping wound edges, with the potential to leave a scar.
❖ A graze, or abrasion, takes place when just the top layers of skin are scraped off. But they can be painful since the injury often extends to the many fine nerve endings within the skin.
❖ Larger wounds, usually the result of more serious impact or surgery, will be deeper and can cause major bleeding. Due to the size of the wound, they will have a higher chance of infection if not covered completely and treated appropriately. Doctor’s advice must also be adhered to.
TV personality, physician and Elastoplast’s 2021 Brand
Ambassador, Dr Zoe Williams shares:
“Most minor wounds can be easily managed, and to maximise optimal healing and minimise risk of infection, should be cleansed and covered as soon as possible. Elastoplast’s Wound Spray can be used anywhere to cleanse a wound, and their Bacteria Shield* plasters use the latest technology to protect simple wounds from 99% of dirt and bacteria. It’s best to be prepared, and packing a few first aid essentials into a day-out bag can give further confidence to enjoy life to the max.”
Busting Wound Care Myths
Within wound care, advice passed down over the years has come to be widely accepted, but when closely examined using modern science, they don’t measure up to the proper care required:
You may have heard: “That cut will heal better if you let it air”
The idea that a wound heals faster or better when left uncovered is certainly widespread, but research has shown it to be incorrect. Applying an Elastoplast Bacteria Shield* plaster keeps wounds covered and protected against 99% of dirt and bacteria, which helps to protect against infection.
You may have heard: “Plasters are uncomfortable and only get in the way” Some plasters are made from materials that are relatively inflexible and offer poor adhesion, which can make them feel awkward and ineffective. However, the Elastoplast Fabric range is made from a highly flexible material that flexes and adapts to your skin as it moves.
Dr. Zoe’s Guide for How to Treat a Wound
❖ Stay calm and, if treating someone else, reassure them. Decide if they need medical aid and seek advice if you are not sure.
❖ Wash your hands before attending to a wound if you’re able to. Alternatively, wear clean disposable gloves – this will reduce the risk of infection.
❖ Stop any bleeding by applying firm pressure with a non-stick pad, sterile gauze, or clean tea towel. Minor wounds will soon stop bleeding, so maintain pressure for at least two minutes. ❖ If the bleeding continues after 10 minutes, apply more gauze pads and keep pressure on the wound. Keep elevated whilst seeking medical advice.
❖ Once a wound has stopped bleeding it is important to cleanse it and cover it – this is important to protect against infection. For further assurance Elastoplast Bacteria Shield* plasters use the latest technology to protect cuts and grazes from over 99% of dirt and bacteria.
Most everyday injuries are minor and both cuts and grazes can be easily treated through Elastoplast’s Cleanse, Protect, Heal routine, ensuring optimal healing and infection prevention:
- Cleanse
To prevent wound infections, spray the 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
Cover and protect the wound from external influences with Elastoplast’s new wound dressing that best suits your needs,
Bacteria Shield* plasters or a changing daily unless you’ve been recommended to do otherwise by your doctor.
- Heal
Help your wound heal safely, quickly and with a lower risk of scarring by carefully applying a thin film of Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment one to two times per day until your wound has healed completely.
Here’s the Science
Microscopic bacteria are invisible to the naked eye and found everywhere, and broken skin is an easy means for all kinds to enter the body. Exposure to these bacteria can cause infection, which if untreated in severe cases, can spread within the body causing serious health issues. Infections are often painful, delay the healing progress, and become a source of annoyance and irritation.
Applying a plaster of any kind to a wound is a good idea, as although small wounds can often heal reasonably well without, there’s always a risk of infection. For superior protection, Elastoplast offer Bacteria Shield* plasters, which form a protective barrier that prevents 99% of bacteria from coming into contact with the wound, providing protection against infection and giving your wound the best chance of healing quickly and effectively.
Elastoplast Wound Spray (RRSP** €4.26), Elastoplast Fabric Plasters, (RRSP** €3.99) & Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment (RRSP** €2.50) can be found at stores and pharmacies nationwide.
For further information on the full Elastoplast range, please visit www.elastoplast.co.uk
*Elastoplast plasters protect from dirt and bacteria
**Retailing selling prices are at the retailer’s sole discretion