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Page last updated:
30 January 2020
Wounds that are healthy and free from debris do not require cleansing. Routine cleansing of a healthy wound removes beneficial chemicals, can damage delicate tissue, will delay wound healing and can be painful. However, all traumatic wounds are considered contaminated and should be cleaned thoroughly, rinsing the wound under running warm water is very effective.
It may also be necessary to remove debris from the peri-wound, and to maintain hygiene standards and re-hydrate the surrounding skin. Wound irrigation is effective when applied under gentle pressure, consider showering.
Antiseptics may be appropriate in heavily contaminated wounds or immunosuppressed patients. Do not use antiseptics containing cetrimide as it has been shown to have a toxic effect on fibroblasts and may delay healing. Its use should be restricted to A&E only, where the detergent effect would be useful for removing foreign material, such as dirt or tar from wounds.
It is not necessary to dry the wound bed following cleansing as this will cause trauma to the wound bed and damage delicate tissue.
Potable water
Sterile water
Sodium chloride 0.9%
Please see 13.11 Skin cleansers, antiseptics, and desloughing agents, or 17.3.4 Other antimicrobials
Assessment
Check the indication when selecting the product
Request the appropriate quantity of barrier product
Choose the correct product size for the area to be covered-cost information please see below
Check the number and range of products being prescribed for the patient and if they are on repeat prescription
Consider the frequency of product use, according to manufacturer's instructions
Please see 13.2.2 Barrier preparations, where barrier preparations are not required and a standard emollient is appropriate please see 13.2.1 Emollients