What do you know about using hot water in treatment of wounds? Do you still have that perception that treating wounds with hot water is the only remedy to healing it?
If you dwell on such a misconception, then this piece is for you.
I recall growing up as a boy in the 90s when my late Dad of the blessed memory would chastise me for not being calm to be treated of wounds sustained while playing football.
The practice wasn’t funny for me especially when I remember the pain, shouting, crying I would pass through in his hands.
No matter how many days the exercise lasted, I recall that it always turned out to be an exercise in futility as he would also take me to a nearby pharmacy to be treated of the same wound he applied hot water.
At the long run, I later discovered that the reason he applied hot water on the wound was to prevent it from bacteria infection.
But the question remains, is hot water ideal for treatment of wounds?
Studies have suggested that hot water should generally not be used directly on acute wounds or fresh burns because it can cause further tissue damage.
Apart from that, another school of thought have opined that use of hot water on wounds, increase swelling, and potentially lead to infection.
Furthermore, applying heat to a new injury (within the first 48-72 hours) also increases blood flow and can make swelling and inflammation worse. Using hot or boiling water directly on a wound is harmful and counterproductive for several reasons.
Moreso, it has been said that water that is hot enough to be described “hot” can easily scald the delicate, exposed tissue of an open wound, thereby creating a second, potentially more severe, injury.
However, it has been established that instead of using or applying hot water on wounds, medical professionals have recommended using cool or lukewarm running water to gently wash a minor cut or scrape.
According to the professionals, this is aimed at removing dirt without causing trauma to the wound.
In the same token, the professionals have also advocated the use of mild soap around the wound, but care must be taken to avoid use of strong soap or chemicals like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide directly on the open cut, as these can also damage tissue.
It must however, be emphasised that it is wrong to use hot water on wounds because it can cause further tissue damage, increase inflammation and swelling, and raise the risk of infection.
Hydrogen Peroxide should also be avoided on wounds as this can be cytotoxic (toxic to healthy cells) and can damage the new tissue trying to heal the wound, potentially delaying the healing process.
Also, rubbing alcohol is very drying and harsh to exposed tissue and should be avoided on open wounds. Professionals have also advised that it is best used for disinfecting tools like tweezers.
Similarly, povidone-iodine can also be irritating to wound tissue, hence it should be avoided as it may not be necessary for simple cuts and scrapes.
Misconceptions are misconceptions but facts are sacred. Stop dwelling on the misconception that hot water heals wounds rather, it degenerates the wound.
