How Do You Irrigate a Wound?

Wound irrigation is a non-invasive procedure in which a steady flow of a solution is used to achieve wound hydration; remove debris, dead cells, pathogens, and excess blood or other exudates such as pus in an open wound; and assist with a better visual examination. Wound irrigation is one of the most effective methods of wound cleansing.

Wound debridement may be combined with wound irrigation. Wound debridement is the process of removing necrotic (dead) tissue from the wound. Wound irrigation, with or without debridement, can aid in wound healing and prevent premature surface healing over an abscess or a foreign body, reducing the recurrence. The goal of wound irrigation is to clean the wound and decontaminate it, reducing the risk of infection or worsening infection, without creating anymore trauma to the wound.

There are various solutions that can be used for wound irrigation, depending on the wound. Solutions that may be used are topical cleansers, antiseptics, antibiotics, antifungals, and anesthetics.

• Normal saline: Normal saline is the most commonly used solution for wound irrigation. It is the safest, inexpensive, and easily available. It may be used on simple wounds with minimal contamination. Saline can’t thoroughly cleanse dirty or necrotic wounds. 
• Sterile water: Sterile water is frequently used to irrigate wounds. It is easily available and even cheaper than saline. Sterile water is hypotonic, meaning it would get absorbed by the cells; hence, if excess volumes are used, the tissues swell up due to water.
• Potable water: Potable water may be used when normal saline or sterile water is not available. It may be used to clean simple wounds that aren’t contaminated.
• Povidone-iodine: Povidone-iodine is an antimicrobial solution that is broad-spectrum and effective against various pathogens. There is a risk of damage to healthy cells and tissues due to povidone-iodine. Povidone-iodine causes a yellowish-brown discoloration of the skin when it dries. 
• Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used antiseptic, and it is usually diluted with saline. It can help remove dead tissues and debris and control active bleeding from the wound. Hydrogen peroxide is not known to be effective against microorganisms. There is a small risk of damage to healthy cells.
• Sodium hypochlorite: Sodium hypochlorite is usually used for cleaning pressure ulcers with necrotic tissue. It is effective against most organisms found in open wounds and reduces foul odor from an infected wound. The solution can cause damage to the healthy tissues; hence, it’s advised not to use it for more than 7-10 days.
• Commercial wound cleansers: Commercial wound cleansers are available over the counter at drug stores. They can remove debris, pathogens, or dead cells. They usually contain preservatives that slow the growth of bacteria and fungi and extend shelf life. They may not be effective in killing all pathogens.

Wound irrigation may cause the following complications:

• Excoriation (erosion due to loss of tissue)
• Increased pain
• Increased swelling 
• Bone damage, infection, and delayed healing due to high-pressure irrigation in bone and joint surgery
• Surface contaminants penetrating deeper layers due to high-pressure irrigation