Skincare for African American Men:
Dressing a Wound Accidents happen. Addressing a wound as quickly as possible in the proper manner will help the healing process and prevent further distress to the skin. This is especially important for African American men’s skincare as properly caring for a wound can assist in future scar formation. Check out the tips below on safe treatment for minor cuts and lacerations.
DISCLAIMER A little bleeding is okay but always call 911 if a wound is: • squirting while bleeding or there is bright red blood • it is deeper than an inch • it is a puncture wound to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, back, on the arm above the elbow or the leg above the knee.
Clean Use running water and soap to wash the skin around the injury. Do not fret if soap makes its way into the cut or opening. Although soap within the wound will sting and might irritate the raw tissue, it is not a big issue to worry over. It has been proven that the use of hydrogen peroxide within the bloodstream can do much more harm and it is not always necessary to use the solution to clean an injury. The bubbling action creates oxygen gas, which can cause a deadly reaction in the bloodstream so it’s best to stick with plain old water. Sometimes water can sting so if you have some handy, you can also use saline solution, as it can be a little gentler. Do make sure to rinse thoroughly and remove any dirt or remaining soap, however. You may use a pair of clean tweezers to remove any particles such as dirt or sand that remain in the injury.
Cover if needed Many wounds will do better with contact to fresh air. However, for cuts that bleed or are likely to come into contact with clothing or dirt, bandages are necessary. Add a bit of antiseptic ointment to keep germs out. If hair is covering the wound you may use gauze and a fabric wrap to prevent adhesive bandages from causing discomfort. Always change the dressing every 12 hours. If the wound is not pulled together easily you may need stitches.
Check for any complications If you do have an infection you will notice the following warning signs. Make sure to contact a doctor immediately. • tenderness or inflammation around the injury • fever • swelling • numbness • red streaks Dressing a wound properly can reduce the future appearance of scars for African American men’s skincare. Follow these steps and you will prevent any infections or from causing an injury to become worst!