´´Open wound´´ is a stimulus to the worst case scenarios in our heads such as bloody fights, car crashes or murders. This can happen anywhere on our bodies but the face is the last place you would like to see this type of an injury. Nevertheless, it often occurs especially when we are facing acne and have the urge to pick on them. In the following paragraphs, you will learn about the ways to treat the open wounds that picking causes.
Washing the hands
This step is usually recommended after you’ve stopped the bleeding but if it is not too serious, you can do it prior to stopping the haemorrhage just to make sure that no dirt goes indirectly into the wound. The most important thing with these wounds is to protect them from infections
Stopping the bleeding
This is usually the rule of a thumb when it comes to treating any sort of bleeding wound. You’ll need a clean piece of cloth and mild pressure to the wound. When you see that the blood stopped oozing completely then you can proceed to the next step. Mind you that the skin of the face is much more sensitive and even superficial open wounds may cause more bleeding than they usually would which means you’ll have to change the cloth sporadically.
Determine what kind of an open wound it is
There are several kinds of open wounds: abrasion, incision, laceration, puncture, and avulsion. Wounds from picking usually don’t bleed as much, which is why it can be put under the category of abrasions like, for example, scratches. The time that the wound will take to heal depends on many factors such as the age of the patient, his lifestyle (whether he/she abuses drugs, alcohol or cigarettes) and the strength of the immunity system. Abrasions are easily recognized because they involve only the epidermis of the skin (which is why they are also called ´´shallow wounds´´) and scabbing will take place after some time because white blood cells will gather there in order to naturally protect the site.
Face washing
Open wounds are the ones defined as the break in the external or internal body tissue usually involving the skin. Although it is hard to imagine that we could self-inflict them, it is highly possible especially when it comes to acne. The acne healing process involves scabbing which is itchy from time to time and lures us into the trap of picking on them. The best solution in these situations is to use antibacterial soap or cleanser and clean the whole area in detail so you stop future infections.
Uncle Harry´s Antibacterial Face Wash
This one is ranked as a prime product on Amazon.com and all for good a good reason. It battles acne unmistakably and also gives you a clean, bacteria free face. It will not disturb the pH balance of your skin while its formula will penetrate deep into your skin and release it from toxins without any soaps in it or gluten. Speaking of the ingredients, we can say that this product has it all in one. There are citric acid and apple cider vinegar that will take care of the cleansing while essential oils and green tea will soothe the skin and prevent irritations. Moreover, the cleanser will feel light on your skin and you will also be able to enjoy the smell of lavender. Most importantly, the product is 100 percent natural and is safe for the open wounds you are trying to heal.
Cetaphil Antibacterial Cleansing Bar
Cetaphil has been one of the leading companies in the skin-care industry for decades. Their scientists work towards creating formulas that are free from chemicals, will soothe the skin and keep its moisture. This is the exact case with the bar. Its content is non-irritant and soap free. Sweat, dirt and excess oils will be cleared away but the skin will still retain its protective barrier. Numerous awards Cetaphil got speak a lot about their products to whom you can trust your face without any hesitation.
Add antibiotics
Antibiotic ointments will specifically target bacteria and will additionally disinfect the area. You need only a small amount of the ointment you can apply directly to the wound. Here are some of the antibiotic ointments you can use.
Avar
Sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs for skin conditions ranging from rosacea to acne and dermatitis. Its effects are pretty quick. How does it work? As it is already mentioned , its main purpose is killing acne-causing bacteria but it is also safe for wound cleaning. You have to know that if you are allergic to some of the ingredients you are not allowed to use it. Therefore you have to inform your dermatologist about the history of your diseases so that the safety of the product for you can be determined.
Duospore
This one contains bacitracin topical, another great antibacterial ointment that will inhibit the bacterial growth. It is to be used on skin only and avoid getting it in your mouth or in your eyes. Also, big amounts of bacitracin may have a reverse effect so please don’t use it on large portions of the skin. Another thing to have in mind when it comes to application is that you have to wash your hands before and after using it. Depending on whether you have some previous diagnosis you might want to consult your doctor about using this, and this especially refers to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Other ointments
Neosporine is another antibacterial ointment that is widely used for minor scrapes and cuts. It has the same purpose as the 2 previously mentioned:: it takes care of infections and even prevents them from reoccurring. When you are using either this or some other antibiotics, make sure you strictly follow the instructions that are usually displayed on the product.
Iodine is also something widely believed to help with injuries and inflammation but in the case of facial open wounds that you inflicted upon yourself by picking is not really smart because iodine is known as an irritant.
Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly was devised in 1872 by Robert Chesebrough. It consists of sticky petroleum material. Back in the day, it was used to cure burns. Although it didn’t completely heal them it significantly made the process faster because the waxy material kept the moisture in. This is why it is often used in treating open facial wounds because along with taking care of skin hydration it also seals the injury away from the bacteria lurking in the environment.
Placing a bandage
Sometimes antibacterial ointments and washing your face aren’t enough to secure the wound. The effect might wear away at one point which will leave open space for bacteria. Therefore, you need to use bandages in order to be completely sure the wound won’t get infected and result in even graver situation. The bandages should be replaced on daily basis.
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