(A) Basic Principles of Wound Care

1. Preventing Infection

• Keep the wound clean.
• Sterilised wound dressing set should be used.
• Aseptic techniques should be used for wound dressing.

2. Enhancing Healing

• Nutrient intake and blood glucose level should be kept stable.
• Do an appropriate exercise to enhance the circulation of blood.

3. Minimising Harm

• Avoid rubbing or squeezing the wound.
• Avoid bandaging too tightly.

4. Monitoring the State of Wound. In case there are signs of infection, consult the doctor as soon as possible.

• Signs of infection at the wound include pain, swelling, redness, hotness, odour, abscess formation and rotting.
• Bodily signs of infection include fever, trembling, increased breathing and heart rates, headache, nausea, loss of appetite and generalized discomfort.

(B) Handling of Burns and Scalds

• Place the wound under cold running water or submerge it in cold water for at least 10 minutes.
• Lightly remove any binding item, such as watch and ring, before the wound swells which prevents the removal of these items.
• Cover the wound with clean materials.
• To avoid infection, do not pierce any blister that appears on the wound.
• To prevent further harm to the wound, do not apply any unconventional materials, such as lotion with mercury, violet blue, burn cream, vinegar, soy sauce, soap, toothpaste, etc.
• Patients with severe burns or scalds must be sent to hospital as soon as possible.

(C) Handling of Abrasions

• If there is dirt or other foreign particles on the wound, clean it with soap and water, but do not use tap water.
• Cover up the wound using sterilized gauze and adhesive plaster.
• If the wound is big or bleeding persists, consult the doctor as soon as possible.

(D) Handling of Cuts

• If bleeding occurs, cover the wound with sterilized gauze and press directly on the wound using the palm or finger for 5-15 minutes to control bleeding. Bandage the wound properly after bleeding stops.
• If bleeding persists, patient should be sent to hospital as soon as possible.

(E) Handling of Bruises

• For minor bruises, massage with Hirrudoid.
• For severe bruises, such as those on the head or those with signs and symptoms of bone fracture, patient should be sent to hospital as soon as possible.

(F) Wound Care for Patients with Diabetes

1. With poor blood circulation due to deteriorated blood capillaries, wounds of diabetes patients, especially those in the lower limbs, cannot receive adequate blood supply. If not handled properly, the wound may be infected and heal less efficiently; the limbs may even have to be amputated in the end.
2. Principles of Wound Care for Patients with Diabetes
   1. Preventing Infection
      • Keep the wound clean.
      • Sterilised wound dressing set should be used.
      • Aseptic techniques should be used for wound dressing.
   2. Enhancing Healing
      • Nutrient intake and blood glucose level should be kept stable.
      • Do an appropriate exercise to enhance the circulation of blood.
   3. Minimising Harm
      • Avoid rubbing or squeezing the wound.
      • Avoid bandaging too tightly.
   4. Monitoring the State of Wound. In case there are signs of infection, consult the doctor as soon as possible.
      • Signs of infection at the wound include pain, swelling, redness, hotness, odour, abscess formation and rotting.
      • Bodily signs of infection include fever, trembling, increased breathing and heart beat rates, headache, nausea, loss of appetite and generalized discomfort.