Wound Care

Background

Wounds can be a way for germs to get into the body because the skin’s natural barrier of protection is damaged. Wounds can also be a place for germs to live. Wound care (any activity that helps heal the breaks in the skin) can be a way to easily transmit germs if appropriate infection control precautions are not followed.

Examples of ways germs have been transmitted with wound care:

  • Not cleaning hands at the right times
    • Be sure to clean hands before and after wound care
    • Be sure to clean hands before putting on new gloves and after removing them
  • Not wearing personal protective equipment correctly
    • Do not reuse gloves
    • Be sure to change gloves when going from clean to dirty tasks
    • Wear a mask when performing wound care:
      • When there are splashes or sprays
      • During a Group A Streptococcus outbreak
  • Not using multi-use ointments correctly
    • These ointments should be dedicated to a single person
    • They should not be taken to room to room and then put back into storage with clean supplies
  • Not cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing shared equipment following manufacturer’s instructions
  • Not cleaning and disinfecting the environment after contamination from splashes or sprays from wounds that are infected or colonized with germs

 

 

 

Educational Resources

VDH Infection Prevention and Control Assessments: The HAI/AR team is available to conduct a no-cost, non-regulatory, onsite visit to help a facility identify its infection prevention strengths and areas of opportunity.

Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group

VCU Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center

 

 

 

Setting-Specific Resources

Nursing Homes

  • VDH Quick Guide for Nursing Home Infection Preventionists: Wound Care

View Long-Term Care Homepage

Last Updated: November 1, 2024