Wound & Skin Prep

Whether you are taking care of someone prone to wounds or are stocking up in case of an accident, having the appropriate supplies is critical. If you see your healthcare provider, they will give you recommendations about how to care for the wound and the surrounding skin. Here is what you need to know about wound and skin prep supplies.

Wound & Skin Prep Overview

Wound and skin prep is an integral part of wound care and occurs before applying dressings or bandages. The wound and the surrounding skin also need cleaning in between dressing applications. You should clean and debride (remove all foreign material and dead or contaminated tissue) a wound, before applying a dressing; wound closures may also be helpful for deep cuts. Clean older wounds of any fluid, gauze, or bandage adhesive stuck to the skin.

Wound Prep and Skin Prep Materials

Several materials are essential to have on hand for proper wound and skin prep.

Cleansers: Keeping the wound clean is perhaps one of the most important aspects of wound care. There are many different types of wound cleansers available, including:

Iodine Wound Prep Solutions: Iodine is an excellent antiseptic and is a traditional go-to in wound care settings. Iodine is available as a solution applied via sterile or non-sterile cotton pads, or impregnated sponge sticks.

Alcohol Pads: Gently wiping with an alcohol pad can also remove debris.

Saline Solution: Saline solution is good for flushing the wound.

Irrigation Sprays: Irrigation sprays can be saline, antiseptic, or a mix of saline and antiseptic and are suitable for cleansing and sanitizing the wound.

Alginates: For wounds that require additional moisture and protection from contaminants, you can use alginate in addition to standard dressing. Wounds that require alginates may include surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, and partial thickness burns. Alginates are available as gels or skin barrier wipes.

Skin Barrier Wipes: The wipes leave a thin layer of liquid that, when dry, forms a shield around the skin to protect from irritants.

Gel dressings: You would apply gel to a clean wound to provide an extra layer of moisture and encourage wound healing

Wound Closures: Deep cuts may require help closing via wound closure strips. The strips help pull together the edges of the wound to encourage closure.

Adhesive Removers: Adhesive removers help remove any adhesive materials from prior dressings or bandages on the skin around the wound. This prevents sticky buildup on the skin that is around the wound and ensures good adhesion of the new bandage or dressing. There are several types of adhesive removers, including:

Adhesive Removal Pads and Wipes: Manufacturers impregnate adhesive removal pads and wipes with a solution that breaks down adhesive materials.

Adhesive Removal Liquid: This adhesive remover comes in a bottle or as a spray. You can spray the liquid on or apply it around the wound, and then wipe away the adhesive material with a cotton ball or swab stick.

Wound and skin prep are essential parts of wound care and should be performed with care. If a wound is not healing properly or if you suspect complications, seek the advice of a medical professional as soon as possible.