It’s hot, but scabs are not: top summer wound care tips

Summer is once again upon Australia’s natural wonderland. From beaches to gardens, forests to lakes, we Aussies love getting out in the sun for some well-earned relaxation and fun with loved ones. Even with a third consecutive La Niña coming through for another unwanted visit, we can still expect plenty of golden days spent by the pool or seaside!

But just as we Aussies must protect ourselves from what is one of the world’s harsher suns, we also need to remain vigilant about the heightened threat from open wounds that comes with the summer months.

Why? Because it is simply harder to keep an open wound clean and dry at this time of the year, and so we have put together a few handy tips on keeping your abrasion hygienic in the hot months.

From first class advanced wound dressing to risk zone reduction, here are a few of the ways you can care for an open scab this summer:

• Maintain proper hand hygiene

First and foremost, bacteria love the heat, and so we should remember to practise proper hand hygiene in the warmer months to avoid open abrasion bacteria spread. This is especially important when coming into contact with advanced wound care, as any bacteria on your hands can transfer to the product and then enter the abrasion.

• Avoid bacteria zones

It’s unfortunate and a little gross, but your abrasion mingles well with bacteria-rich environments. Even though the scab wants to get amongst it, you certainly don’t, and so keep that abrasion away from soil, sand, open, stagnant water and anywhere else that appears like a bacteria-ridden infection haven.

• Keep your bandages clean

Your bandages can easily become damp with summer sweat. You want to keep them dry and clean as excess bandage sweat poses further risk of infection. Depending on the abrasion’s type and severity you can purchase tapes that are water-resistant and protect the bandages from opening and allowing in excess fluids. For larger abrasions, you can purchase plastic covers that keep the area dry (plastic wraps can also work).

• Keep hydrated

Summer is obviously the time when we are at the greatest risk of dehydration, but staying hydrated is good for abrasions as your skin requires an optimal level of hydration to properly heal. So, keep up the water intake after experiencing a cut as a hot day can seriously impact your hydration and, consequently, your healing process.

• Eat well, too!

There are plenty of vitamins and minerals found in certain foods that will hasten the healing process. Your immune system needs a boost after this experience, and so healthy foods like ginger, broccoli, citrus, almonds, spinach and garlic will help with your immune system, and anything that is good for the immune system is good for your abrasion!

• Be aware of infection

Of course, all endeavours to protect such an abrasion can often go awry, so it’s always important to keep an eye out for signs of infection. If you notice any increasing pain, bad smells, pus discharge or redness around the wound, then you might want to consult your doctor. They will then be able to provide you with a more advanced course of action to heal the abrasion and put it all behind you.

Be sure to follow these six simple tips for scab care, as they can make all the difference between getting back to it in no time or waiting weeks for that nasty little cut to heal!