6 Necessary Items for Wound Care Kits
If you have wound care needs, there's a good chance that you'll also have a kit ready to deal with issues as they come up. No good kit is complete, however, without the following 6 items.
1. Medical Gloves
Reducing the potential for exposure to infections is important, but especially when dealing with chronic wound care issues. Purchase genuine medical gloves—not just latex ones. A box of disposable gloves is ideal, especially if you're dealing with an ongoing infection or seepage problems.
2. Gauze Sponges
A major worry when covering a wound is that the materials used for cleaning and bandaging will get into the wound and cause irritation. Gauze sponges handle that job well without leaving stray strands behind in the wound. Likewise, they offer considerable absorbent capability, which makes a big difference in situations involving blood, mucus, or other fluids.
3. Sterile Applicators
Just as you don't want the sponges to leave stuff behind, the same goes for applicators. Avoid using things like Q-tips. Instead, focus on using proper wound care products like sterile, cotton-tipped applicators. These will allow you to handle an array of tasks well, including cleaning out wounds, taking swabs and samples for testing, and applying medicated ointments.
4. Medical Tape
Skin and bandages have a habit of not quite getting along together. When you're applying dressing with wound care products like gauze sponges, it's best to secure them. Medical tape should be easy to tear, even for people who have issues like arthritis. It should stick well to the skin without being difficult to remove, too.
5. Scissors
As you're trying to cut up the bandages and sponges you have in your kit, a good pair of scissors is invaluable. Make sure when you purchase a pair of scissors that it is clearly set aside only for cutting bandages. You don't want to use a pair of scissors that was employed for other medical purposes to avoid contamination. If you need a separate set of medical scissors, ask your doctor to write you a prescription for one. These should be small enough to work in small spaces, and they should also be sharp enough to cut skin without causing noticeable pain.
6. Any Required Medication
If you're dealing with wound care issues, there's a decent chance you'll also have a few medications. These may range from antibiotic pills to topical creams. Make sure your kit has compartments that allow you to put pills securely in place.