New RSU Health Express episode examines key issues in wound care
Everyone has had a grazed knee or a cut finger at some point in their lives, and sometimes even more serious wounds. What is the right course of action to promote healing and prevent infection or scarring? These questions are explored in the latest episode of the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) podcast Health Express: “Is iodine still in fashion? RSU experts on wound care”. The episode features Dr. med. Elga Bataraga, Head of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, and Lilija Antoņēviča, lecturer at the Department of Nursing and Midwifery and surgical nurse, who educates future nurses and healthcare professionals on a daily basis.
The experts discuss how approaches to wound care have evolved over time. ‘Today, wounds are no longer treated with coloured antiseptic solutions such as iodine or brilliant green antiseptic, as these make it difficult to assess the depth of the injury and the healing process,’ emphasises Antoņēviča. She emphasises that it is far more important to keep sterile gauze pads, a disinfectant solution, and contact layer dressings impregnated with various substances in the home medicine cabinet, as well as high-quality plasters for minor wounds.
As first aid for minor everyday injuries, the experts recommend rinsing the wound under running water, disinfecting it with a non-irritating antiseptic, and applying a dressing or plaster.
Bataraga points out that the wound care fashion has become much gentler: ‘Today, a wide range of dressings impregnated with hydrogels, hydro fibres or other substances are available to provide a favourable environment for a wound to heal. There are also new types of dressings (such as aerosol plasters). A wide range of healing aids are also available, containing zinc or copper compounds, thermal water or panthenol. If the injury is deeper and scars are forming, gels or dressings containing silicone can be used to help reduce scarring.’
Among modern technologies, Antoņēviča mentions negative pressure wound therapy, which is used for complex wounds. This method helps to drain the wound and stimulates tissue growth and proliferation, thus promoting faster healing.
On the podcast, the experts also discuss the use of folk remedies such as lycopodium from broadleaf plantain, aloe vera, clubmoss spores, and other plants. ‘Many natural remedies lack scientific evidence, but they are often used as complementary remedies or purchased in processed form at pharmacies. However, one must be cautious, as contact dermatitis can develop from certain plants,’ explains Bataraga.
If the wound is deep, dirty, bleeds for a long time, or its edges do not close; if it is located on the face or neck; if the person has not been vaccinated against tetanus; or if there is a foreign object in the wound that cannot be removed independently, medical attention needs be sought. Medical assistance is also necessary if signs of infection appear, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or fever. ‘Animal bites are particularly dangerous as they carry an increased risk of infection,’ emphasises Antoņēviča.
