Cleansing methods

There are a number of documented methods for wound cleansing (Gouvela and

Miguens 2007). We will consider swabbing, irrigation and bathing/showering.

• Swabbing. Swabbing of wounds, using gloves or forceps and gauze swabs, is a traditional method of wound cleansing, but Thomlinson’s (1987) study demonstrated

that this merely led to redistribution of microorganisms.