How can we use both ointment and cleanser as part of a periwound care routine? And why is periwound care so important? 

In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at exactly what patients and healthcare professionals can do when managing the skin around an unhealed wound.  

When caring for a wound, the periwound area requires a lot of care and attention. This is because the skin is particularly vulnerable to breakdown.  

It’s in the best interest of patients to keep periwound skin as healthy as possible. In doing so you can:

• Support the healing process
• Prevent any further skin damage
• Reduce infection risk
• Change dressings less frequently
• Keep patients comfortable and pain-free
• Improve a patient’s quality of life

There’s a lot to be gained from proper periwound care. But one part of that care that is often overlooked is the area of skin just outside the periwound site.

This skin is also susceptible to damage and irritation. And it needs considered care too. So what’s the best approach?

A care routine that incorporates both cleansing and the application of an ointment is best. This will help to protect against moisture-associated skin damage (MASD), incontinence-associated damage (IAD), and maceration.

Let’s see how these two products can be used together in periwound care.  

The steps for a proper cleansing and ointment protocol

An effective periwound care routine starts with the right products. So what should you be looking for in a cleanser and an ointment?

The Medi Derma - PRO Ointment

The best ointments provide long-lasting protection at wound sites. They should be hydrophobic. But also compatible with any bandages and dressings that need to be applied.

Ideally, an ointment will also have moisturising and soothing properties, so it can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with damaged and healing skin.

The Medi Derma - PRO Cleanser

Any cleanser you choose has to be pH neutral. This ensures that the acidic mantle of the skin is protected.

You also need a cleanser that is strong enough to cleanse the skin properly, removing any exudate or dried-on bodily fluids, without causing any further damage to the skin around a wound.

How to use cleansers and ointments together

Once you’ve chosen a cleanser and an ointment that fit the requirements listed above, you can put them to use in a periwound care routine.

Simply follow these steps:

1. Remove any dressings or coverings from the wound site, taking care not to pull at the skin any more than you need to
2. Clean the area with the cleanser, gently removing any dried-on exudate or bodily fluids
3. Ensure skin is clean and dry before applying ointment
4. Gently apply ointment to the periwound area to keep skin protected
5. Reapply any dressings or coverings to further protect the wound site
6. Repeat this process on a regular basis to ensure the wound site remains clean and protected

Using cleanser and ointment — and following the above steps — will help to keep patients more comfortable. The wound site will stay free from infection and is less likely to cause pain, irritation, or discomfort.

Just remember that repeatedly applying and removing dressings and tapes can damage the periwound skin. So only complete the periwound cleansing process when needed.

Keep your skin healthy with Medi Derma-PRO Foam & Spray Incontinence Cleanser and Ointment

Here at Medicareplus, we supply both cleansers and ointments specifically for periwound care. We work closely with all of our clinical customers and provide only the highest quality, patient-centric products, all backed by clinical evidence.  

Take a look at a couple of our most popular products.  

Cleansing wet wipes

Our cleansing wet wipes are pH-neutral, hypoallergenic, alcohol and fragrance-free. So you never need to worry about irritating the skin around a wound site.

These wet wipes come in a pack of 30 and they’re available for customers throughout England, Wales, and Scotland.

Cleanser and ointment pack

Tick both boxes with a Medicareplus cleanser and ointment pack.

First up, it’s our foam and spray cleanser. This product is pH balanced and non-stinging. It is specifically designed as a no-rinse formulation in order to minimise the friction and potential skin damage caused by wiping and rubbing.

With both spray and foam modes available, you’ll find it easy to reach even difficult areas.

Once you’ve cleaned the skin, it’s time to apply our skin-protectant ointment. This product provides a long-lasting hydrophobic barrier on the skin. And it adheres well to the skin, even when moisture is present.   

At Medicareplus, we’re always here for you (even when the competition struggles to keep up with demand!). And we’re committed to raising the global standard of skin care for all patients.

Take a look at our full range of skin protectant products, including barrier creams, barrier films, and dressings today, all available with easy ordering and at affordable prices.