Wound Cleansing & Disinfection.

How to clean wounds properly

A clean wound heals faster and with less scarring. Whether it’s a small cut or a larger abrasion, the principle is the same: clean first, cover later.

Wound wipes (swabs) or liquid (spray)?

Both serve important purposes and complement each other:

• Sterile wound wipes (Salvequick): These single‑use wipes are standard in most wall‑mounted dispensers. They are soaked in physiological saline solution or sterile water. Ideal for cleaning minor cuts and wiping away blood around the wound edges. Because they are individually packaged, they remain sterile until opened.
• Wound spray & bottles: For abrasions contaminated with gravel or dirt, a wipe alone is often insufficient. In these cases, a spray (e.g. Cederroth Eye & Wound Cleansing Spray) is used to mechanically flush away particles under pressure. The spray is usually pain‑free and non‑stinging, making it suitable for children.

Should you use alcohol solution or chlorhexidine?

In the past, it was common to disinfect all wounds with alcohol. Today, healthcare providers often recommend gentler methods for everyday wounds.

• Saline solution (sterile water): Usually the first choice. It is gentle on the body’s own cells and does not sting.
• Disinfection (alcohol/chlorhexidine): Primarily used when the wound is heavily contaminated (e.g. soil‑contaminated wounds or animal bites) or when there are signs of infection. Keep in mind that strong alcohol can dry out wound edges and delay healing if used too frequently.

Disinfection of hands and surfaces

Remember that the person providing care should also be clean.

• Surface disinfection: For cleaning the couch or table where the dressing takes place.
• Hand disinfection: Hand sanitizer should always be available at your First Aid Station so the caregiver does not introduce new bacteria into the wound.

Cleaning the eyes

Many wound sprays can also be used as eye wash to flush out dust. However, in chemical accidents, specific buffered solutions are required. These can be found under the category Eye Wash & Eye Wash Stations.