7. How to properly wash hands with minor wounds?
Minor bumps and bruises are inevitable in life. When minor superficial wounds occur on the hands or limbs, proper hand washing requires both “cleanliness” and “protection” to avoid the risk of infection.
The three-step method of “six-step handwashing – running water rinsing – wound care” can effectively remove pathogens. The specific steps are as follows:
Six-step handwashing method: Thoroughly wet your hands under running water. Apply an appropriate amount of hand sanitizer or soap to the entire palm, back of the hand, fingers, and between the fingers. When rinsing your hands, if the wound is on the hand, avoid contamination by backflow of dirty water.
Rinse with running water: First, rinse the wound with clean running water to remove surface dirt. Then, rub with hand sanitizer or soap and rinse with plenty of running water to thoroughly remove contamination. Gently apply pressure with clean disposable paper towels or sterile gauze to dry the wound, avoiding rubbing.
Wound Care: Use a clean cotton swab dipped in iodine disinfectant and disinfect the wound and surrounding skin in a spiral motion, working from the center outward. If the wound is large or tight, it is recommended to seek professional treatment at a hospital.
Expert Tip: For minor wounds, the key is to rinse the wound with plenty of running water or detergent to remove contamination. Avoid using traditional methods like incense ash or toothpaste, which increase the risk of infection.
8. How should I care for frequent hangnails on my hands?
Hangnails on the hands (also known as periungual peeling) are caused by dryness and peeling of the stratum corneum. They are often associated with a damaged skin barrier, nutritional deficiencies, and decreased skin repair capacity.
The skin around the nails lacks sebaceous glands. Frequent contact with water, detergents, or physical friction (such as from manicures, housework, and children biting) can damage the cuticle structure, leading to dryness and cracking. Some people with chronically picky eating habits, diabetes, or immunosuppression are also prone to this condition.
Hangnas are not caused by a vitamin deficiency. Experts emphasize that hangnails should be cared for in a three-step process: moisturizing, trimming, and protecting, rather than blindly supplementing with vitamins. This involves soaking the nails in warm water to soften them before trimming them. Apply hand cream and massage the area around the nails. Wear rubber gloves when doing housework to avoid direct contact with detergents and disinfectants. Also, address habits like nail biting and picking at hangnails.
Expert Tip: If redness, swelling, or pain occur around the hangnails, apply iodine disinfectant after trimming. If the redness or swelling around the hangnails exceeds 1 cm and is accompanied by purulent discharge, seek medical attention immediately to avoid delaying treatment.
