Necrotic wounds are simple skin injuries that have worsened through the death of the living cells of the skin. This is caused by the inadequate supply of blood, therefore bringing about the lack of oxygen supply, causing the cells to be acidic and digest itself. Necrotic wounds appear as a dark brown or completely black discoloration of the skin representing the area of dead cells.
The necrotic tissue could be a sign of serious illnesses like diabetes, skin cancer, or other life-threatening skin diseases. It’s also very vulnerable to infection if left untreated, but the real danger is that Necrotic wounds spread to other healthy skin cells. This is why Necrotic cells must be treated immediately to avoid further complications. You could either visit a doctor who would be more effective and efficient in treating the wound, or you can do it yourself with the help of close companions.
Here are ways to treat necrotic wounds and prevent them from becoming worse:
Have they treated by a doctor
There is no one more efficient than a professional practitioner. He can clean your wound, dress it, and give you advice on how to take care of it. He could also give you a prescription of medicines that would make you feel better.
Dress The Wound
There are many ways to dress the wound. You could either wrap it with a bandage or cover it with a medical gauze. The latter would be more recommended as medical gauze are easier to remove. To properly dress the wound with a medical gauze, fold at least three square sheets of the fabric and place them over the wound. Seal it in place with a medical tape. Keep in mind that as a rule, wound dressings have to be changed regularly with fresh, unused gauze.
Use Wound Care Products
Though dressing the wound in a medical gauze ensures that it is secured, covering it alone won’t do. Even with the gauze in place, bacteria can still invade the wound through or underneath the dressing. Wound care products are designed to kill flesh-eating bacteria that poses threats to wounds. Apply these wound care products on the wound before you seal the medical gauze into place. It is also recommended to apply these wound care products every time you dress the wound.
Alternative Wound Care Products
If such medical materials such as Betadine or alcohol cannot be currently available, there are plenty of alternative wound care materials that can be found at home. These are the following:
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Honey – Honey is a natural germ-killer, and some claim that it is even more effective than most antibiotics. Apply an adequate amount, usually a teaspoon, over the wound before you dress it. This does not revive the skin, but it does keep bacteria from eating it and other healthy skin nearby.
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Vinegar – This is another alternative wound sterilizer you can find at home. It is good in eradicating germs just as much as honey. In fact, more medical clinics are in favor of using it instead of traditional antibacterials. To treat wounds with vinegar, soak the wound in a combination vinegar (1 tablespoon) and water (half a glass) for 15 minutes. After that, it is safe to dress.
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Sugar – This simple food sweetener, when poured over the wound, creates a highly concentrated area that no bacteria can survive. Not only that but sugar aids in the removal of dead skin also. Apply an adequate amount (a teaspoon full) to the wound and hold it in place with the medical gauze. It is also advisable to add petroleum jelly to make sure the sugar doesn’t fall off the dressing.
Massage the area around the wound
Going back, necrotic skin tissue is caused by the lack of oxygen resulting in the death of the cells. To prevent any more damage, have a masseur or a nurse massage the area around your wound to loosen the veins and promote blood flow to the injured area. Though this does not revive the dead skin cells, it prevents the healthy ones around the dead skin from dying due to lack of oxygen.
Commit to a balanced diet
Having a weak immune system practically invites more cells to their deaths. Nutrition is often not thought of when it comes to healing wounds, but it is most necessary for the healing process. While dressing the wound and applying wound care products are only for keeping the wound safe, it’s your body’s functions that heal it. With improper diet and nutrition, the body’s healing functions are impaired, causing the wound to heal slowly or worsen its condition. The best food to eat when it comes to healing wounds would be fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamins C and A. Vitamins E and K should also be considered as they help promote healthy blood flow.