Wound Care Basics

May 24, 2021May 24, 2021 by Kadie

At CT Derm, we treat a lot of wounds. While these can be the result of many different causes, they are most commonly from trauma, an underlying medical condition like diabetes, or poor circulation. I recommend that clients who are concerned with the appearance of their wound schedule an appointment with one of our dermatology providers in Idaho. If your wound is oozing, red, hot to touch, or will not heal, then it likely needs to be examined.

The first step in the wound care process is getting the wound cultured. A culture is collected by using a sterile cotton swab to remove a few cells from the wound. It is then sent to the laboratory to determine if there is any infection and, if there is, what specific type, so we prescribe the correct medications to effectively treat it. Without the correct medication, your wound will continue to get worse and could spread.

We also recommend that you keep the wound clean and apply Epionce Medical Barrier Cream or regular Vaseline three to four times a day. It is an old wives tale that the wound will heal faster if it dries out. That method causes the skin to remain broken down and slows down the healing process. Research has shown that a wound will heal three to four times more quickly when kept moist and covered than when left to dry out.

Your body works hard to repair wounds, whether they are caused by surgery or an accident. The following supplements may help your body heal the wound more quickly: glucosamine with MSM 2000mg once daily, vitamin C 500mg twice daily, zinc picolinate 25mg three times daily and/or Vitamin A 10,000 IU three times daily. If you think that these may help you, then feel free to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Any time your skin is injured, there is always a chance of a scar forming. The appearance of a scar depends on the healing process. Keep the wound clean and apply Vaseline and a Band-Aid. Change the dressing every day until the wound is healed. Make sure to apply sunscreen to your scars, because it helps with any discoloration and will help the scar fade away faster.

Working for CT Derm for the last seven years, I have seen an assortment of wounds. It is always rewarding to partner with patients and providers to help our clients reach resolution to their skin problems.

—Kadie

Here is What our Patients Think

All of the interaction with the staff, technicians and doctors have been professional and friendly. The staff is efficient, the wait times are minimal, and the care is exceptional. I highly recommend CTDerm.

— Wade W. (Patient since 2019)

I have known from a distance that Dr. Thornfeldt and his staff were very good. But in just one visit, I realize that I had underestimated how good they are. Our son and daughter's skin issues, as well as my own, were not noticed by our dermatologist where we live. It was fully worth the trip from Florida.

— Robert H. (patient since 2016)

My experience with Dr. Thornfeldt and his staff has been nothing but pleasurable. The staff are friendly and helpful going the extra mile to meet the patients needs. Dr. Thornfeldt is dedicated to the care of his patients, actively listening and responding as he seeks to see the bigger picture.

— Dezra. R (patient since 2019)

The staff at CT Derm is very friendly and helpful. I found the visit very comfortable. Dr. Thornfeldt is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and understanding. I am a former patient of his from when he had an office in Nampa, but due to improved skin issues and major life changes, -- a divorce and move, I didn't follow him to his Fruitland office. After over 12 years, and new skin problems, I knew it was time make the drive. I trust him completely and appreciate his experience and expertise.

— Ellen S. (patient since 2018)