Tips

The trouble with germs is that you can't see them. But they're always there. Being vigilant about hand washing can go a long way toward keeping you healthy.

Let the healing process begin. Improve the healing process with these easy-to-remember tips for incisions, cuts, scrapes or minor burns.

• Using water under pressure is the best way to clean a wound; a briskly running faucet will do.
• Wash under running water for several minutes, even up to 15 minutes.
• Make sure you remove all dirt and debris before applying a bandage.

For a bandage to work right, it has to fit right – to protect the wound, and seal out germs and dirt. Nexcare™ Bandages come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet every need:

• To protect less severe but large, irregular wound areas, with the exception of burns, use Nexcare™ No Sting Liquid Bandage.
• If your plans include swimming, watersports, or working in and around water, choose Nexcare™ Waterproof Bandages to protect your wound.
• For smaller wounds, such as a cut fingertip, try our Nexcare™ Soft 'n Flex Bandages in "spot size" for just the right coverage.
• Knees and elbows are common injury areas. Try bandages specially made to stay put on these tough-to-cover areas: Nexcare™ Waterproof Bandages for Knee and Elbow or Nexcare™ Active Waterproof Bandages for Knee and Elbow.
• If you're gardening or doing other physical work, get long-lasting protection from Nexcare™ Heavy Duty Fabric Bandages.
• When exercising or playing sports, try Nexcare™ Active™ Waterproof Bandages for flexibility and cushion.
• For larger wounds, use Nexcare™ wound care products, designed to protect and absorb, such as the Nexcare™ Soft Fabric Adhesive Pad or the Nexcare™ Absolute Waterproof Adhesive Pad.
• IMPORTANT: deep cuts, deep puncture wounds, major burns and all human or animal bites should be taken seriously – apply first aid, then call your health care provider immediately.

• Change bandage daily, or more often if the bandage gets dirty or wet.
• Check the wound for the signs of infection, and if you're worried that it may be infected, call your health care provider.
• Infected wounds are usually very painful and swollen – if swelling lasts for several days and the area is warm to the touch, infection is likely.

• It's an age-old trick but a good one: soak the bandaged wound area in warm water for a half-minute or so before removal.
• Work a little baby oil or cooking oil into the adhesive to help the bandage release from the skin.
• Use ice (covered with a paper towel) for 5 minutes or less. Ice will make the adhesive brittle, which may cause it to release.

• Paper tape is ideal for fragile skin or when tape is being re-applied frequently.
• Cloth tape is great for securing splints or bulky dressings and when strong holding power is required.
• Waterproof tape is the choice for blisters or water-related activities.
• Flexible tape is water-resistant, stretches, and tears off easily; perfect for hard-to-bandage areas.

Proper taping is the key to making gauze and other devices stay in place. We’ve got the tips and tricks to help.

We'll help you identify the type and severity of a burn, so that it can be treated properly.

Burns should always to be taken seriously. For minor burns, do the following:

• Immediately cool the burn under cold water until the pain subsides (approximately 20 minutes).
• If a blister forms, do not break it; if it is open or broken, clean and remove all dirt from the area, and dry thoroughly.
• Gently blot dry with a sterile gauze or clean cloth.
• Apply an antiseptic spray or ointment, if desired.
  Protect the blistered or burned area with a transparent dressing and gauze pad.
• Check the burn daily and change dressings as needed.
• IMPORTANT: For more serious burns where the skin becomes white or charred, do not apply water, antiseptic sprays, ointments or home remedies. Call your doctor immediately.

Infected wounds are usually very painful and swollen – see your health care provider if the wound isn't healing or you notice other signs such as: fever, redness, increasing pain, swelling, itching, rash or burning.