Wound protection
Learn how good wound protection can support a faster healing
Why protect wounds?
Keeping a wound safely protected is the key to an undisturbed healing process. When exposed, the wound is left defenceless against various elements that can cause infection, swelling or other complications.
Bacteria: If left uncovered, bacteria have the potential to enter into the wound, which could possibly cause infections and delay healing
Water: Waterproof wound protection is essential to prevent the wound from getting in contact with water. Indeed, water may be contaminated with bacteria or contain harmful elements such as chlorine, which can significantly increase the risk of infection and delay wound healing. In addition, contact with water will swell the skin and can lead to delay in wound closure. Bacteria and germs can then more easily enter the wound, creating an even greater risk of infection.
Moist Healing: Protecting wounds using principles of moist wound healing will support the natural healing process. This is used in hospitals for the treatment of chronic wounds and is proven to heal wounds more safely, completely and quickly, with less likelihood of scarring than if the wound was allowed to dry out.
A good wound care routine for optimal healing
Wound protection should be part of a good wound care routine. In case of a bleeding wound, stop the bleeding by applying pressure, ideally using a non-stick dressing. If the bleeding continues, apply more gauze pads and keep pressure on the wound and seek medical advice.
Cleanse: Cleansing the wound from dirt and bacteria is an essential first step to enable optimal healing. To prevent wound infections, spray Elastoplast Wound Spray from a distance of approximately 10cm onto the entire wound area. Repeat if necessary, then gently pat dry the area around the wound.
Protect: It’s important to protect the wound from external influences like dirt and bacteria to enable undisturbed healing. Cover your wound with the Elastoplast plaster or Elastoplast Non-Stick dressing that best suits your needs. Change the plaster or dressing daily unless you’ve been recommended to do otherwise by your doctor. You might find this Wound Dressing article useful.
Heal: After covering your wound with a plaster, we recommend applying a wound healing ointment to reduce the risk of scarring and help heal your wound faster. For optimal moist healing conditions, apply Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment regularly until your wound has healed completely. Carefully apply a thin film one to two times per day. Make sure the opening of the tube does not get in contact with your wound. Repeat regularly until the healing is completed. This product can be used on open, minor superficial wounds at any stage of the healing process. If necessary, it can be covered with an Elastoplast plaster, such as Plastic, Fabric or Sensitive.
Which plaster is right for me?
Need a waterproof plaster? Elastoplast Aqua Protect offers waterproof wound protection. Available in a variety of different sizes, it is ideal for use while showering, bathing or swimming. It contains a non-stick woundpad that protects and cushions smaller wounds, creating an ideal environment for healing.
Need an extra robust plaster? Elastoplast Heavy Fabric Waterproof Plaster is made for extreme conditions! Featuring Elastoplast's Hi-DRY TEX technology, these tough plasters are flexible and waterproof to provide a truly resilient plaster that’s perfect for outdoor activities, gardening or DIY projects.
Need a plaster for moveable areas? Elastoplast Extra Flexible Fabric Plaster works brilliantly when used on small wounds located on joints & moveable parts of the body. These extra flexible plasters stay put by stretching with the skin and the movement of the body.
Need to protect a wound on sensitive skin? Elastoplast Sensitive Plaster offers very skin friendly hypoallergenic wound protection. The soft breathable material of these gentle plasters cushions and protects wounds and is painless to remove.
Need to cover a larger area? Elastoplast offers a range of XL and XXL plasters plasters for the protection of medium sized and larger wounds depending on your needs, including antibacterial product with Silver technology.
Need a plaster for small everyday wounds? Elastoplast Plastic Plasters are made for little scratches, burns and small cuts. These all-purpose plasters are breathable, water-repellent and offer protection to all kinds of small wounds.
Help wounds to heal better
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Make sure that the wound is consistently protected. Change your plaster every day, unless instructed to do otherwise by a doctor. If it falls off, apply another right away.
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Leave the wound alone. If there is a scab, do not touch it and certainly don’t attempt to remove it. Try to reduce friction around the area if at all possible and wear loose clothing that doesn’t put pressure on the wound.
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Keep the wound away from UV rays. Exposure can cause discolouration of the skin and skin is more likely to scar.
Always see a doctor if the wound is deep, bleeds heavily or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth. Please note that none of the above given tips or recommendations substitute medical advice. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products' packages. Important: consult a health professional in case of any uncertainty of treating your wound properly.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
For further information regarding Elastoplast products, please contact us via email on support.anz@elastoplast.com.au (AU and NZ). Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products' packages.
Although compiled with great care, please note that the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website. Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the leaflets of our products. For further information about our products, please contact us here.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.