Wound Cleansing Protocol

LUHNT Children's Services

Wound cleansing is a clean - not sterile - procedure

Before commencing, assess the wound using a wound chart

Not all wounds require cleaning

Wound exudate contains anti-microbial substances, which are natural wound cleansers.

Reasons to clean a wound

Presence of:

• Foreign bodies
• Debris eg slough, residue from hydrocolloid dressings
• Purulent exudate ie infection

Equipment

1. Clean basin

• Each treatment area must have an identified basin for this purpose only
• It must be washed with soapy water, rinsed and dried between patients

2. Warm tap water

• Removing a dressing reduces the wound temperature
• Cold water may reduce it to a degree where cell mitosis will not recommence for up to 4 hours

3. Gauze / soft wash cloth

• Where possible, immerse the affected area
• Where not, the soaked wash cloth must be squeezed over it allowing the water to wash over it.
• If foreign bodies remain, gently swab with non-fibre shedding gauze

  This is not routine as it:

• Redistributes bacteria
• Is painful
• Causes trauma to healing cells

4. Disposable gloves (clean but not sterile)

• After cleansing, dry surrounding skin but not the wound itself

Wounds need a warm, moist environment to heal