How to treat a superficial wound
Superficial wounds are the most common type, occurring, for example, in accidents in the home. These include cuts, grazes, scrapes and burns that affect the epidermis and, in some cases, the dermis superficially. This type of wound does not require a visit to the doctor and can be treated at home with the right sort of dressing. Whatever the cause, it is essential to treat the wound to stop the bleeding, minimise the risk of infection and promote healing.
So, the first thing you should do before treating a wound is to wash your hands with soapy water for 30 seconds, to prevent bacteria from coming into contact with the skin. If necessary, next clean the wound under a gentle stream of water at room temperature, then with soapy water. If the wound is deeper or larger, clean it with an antiseptic (never use a coloured antiseptic).(1) Next comes the important step of protecting the wound from possible infection. But it is not always easy to match the right dressing to the type of wound in question. That’s where URGO comes in to play to offer you the best possible advice.
Which dressing for which wound?
There is a dressing for every type of wound, but we still need to know how to choose it. Wounds on the face, in particular, will require dressings that promote healing but are discreet, whilst those on the joints and fingers will need to be sturdy enough to withstand movement.
Superficial burns
As we have said, superficial wounds do not reach the deeper layers of the skin. They heal quickly and look good if the treatment is carried out correctly. Once the wound has been disinfected, you can apply strips[AH1] to promote optimal cosmetic healing of your wound. URGOSTRIPS are sterile, with high skin tolerance and are easy to apply even on sensitive skin. They will help the wound to close safely and discreetly.
Facial wounds
Minor cuts and grazes can happen anywhere, even on the face. You’ve scratched a pimple, or nicked your skin with your fingernail … In these cases, the wounds are usually not deep and heal quite quickly. The key is not to touch it, however tempting it may be, and to be patient, because the wound is on your face for all to see. To help protect a wound on your face, use URGO Face dressings (ages 3 and over). Small in size, they offer you the utmost discretion thanks to a stretchy, transparent backing and a flesh-coloured pad.
Wounds on the hands and fingers
A sharp knife in the kitchen, a careless move whilst doing some DIY… It’s not uncommon to cut your hands or fingers. So what sort of dressing should be used for an open wound in this area of the body? You will need protection that allows you to move freely and is water-resistant, so you can wash your hands without any trouble. This is the case with URGO Fingers - dressings (ages 1 and over): stretchy and micro-ventilated, they come in a butterfly shape, which is ideal for wounds on the fingertips or between the fingers.
Wounds on the joints
It is important to match the type of wound to the appropriate dressing, particularly in the case of an injury to a joint.
Indeed, this area is constantly moving, which can cause the dressing to tear or lose its adhesion. That’s why you’ll need protection such as URGO Heavy-duty dressings. Its tear-resistant fabric means you can go about your daily activities with complete peace of mind, and its micro-ventilated structure allows your skin to breathe.
Children and the more adventurous among us will also need a thick plaster to protect the wound from any knocks and bumps in everyday life. For this purpose, there is URGO Ultra Protector – protective dressing (ages 3 and over). It features a foam backing reinforced with micro-bubbles and a non-adhesive pad that does not stick to the wound when removed.
When taking part in sports such as skateboarding or cycling, it is not uncommon to injure your knees and elbows. This type of wound requires specific dressing shapes that are adapted to these joints, which are subject to high stress in everyday life. That is why we recommend URGO Knees and Elbows dressings (ages 1 and over). Large and butterfly-shaped, they possess a stretchy backing that adapts to your every movement without causing any discomfort.
How to treat a superficial burn
Superficial burns are superficial wounds, but they have certain specific characteristics. As the injury is usually caused by a heat source, the recommended treatment for a superficial burn is to run (lukewarm) water at a temperature of between 15 °C and 25 °C over the affected area for 15 minutes. Then, once you have dried the skin thoroughly, you can apply a sterile dressing to treat your first- or second-degree superficial burn.(2)URGO Burns – Superficial wounds sterile dressing contains lipid-colloid technology which helps to relieve pain and promotes healing. Note: there are different degrees of burns; adapt the treatment according to the severity of the burn.
Diet to promote wound healing
Proper care and the use of the right types of dressings account for the bulk of the work involved in promoting effective wound healing. But there are a few things you can do to make it even better.
To this end, do not neglect your diet, as certain vitamins and trace elements are known to help maintain healthy skin. A varied and balanced diet will therefore help you promote wound healing. In particular, eat foods rich in:
- Iodine: seaweed, table salt, scampi, cod, egg yolk, oysters, etc.(3)
- Zinc: wheat germ, beef, sesame and poppy seeds, cashew nuts, etc.(4)
- Vitamin B2: soft cheese, spirulina, egg white, kidneys, squid, etc.(5)
- Vitamin B3: chicken liver, crisps, tinned tuna, peanut butter, etc.(6)
- Vitamin C (contributes to collagen formation): citrus, peppers, red berries, etc.(7)
Superficial wounds do not require emergency care, unless there is heavy bleeding, it is a bite wound, or you notice any other symptoms (paleness, cold sweats, thirst, dizziness, feeling unwell). If the wound is deep, apply pressure with a pad or a clean cloth and call the emergency services (dial 15). Consult your doctor if you are unsure about your tetanus vaccination, if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, if you have signs of infection, or if the wound has not healed after two weeks.(8)
