How to Treat Tunnel Wounds

Tunnel wound is a complex wound that occurs along with the primary wound. This wound extends from the skin to deep tissue layers. It extends from the epidermis layer of skin to the dermis or hypodermis layer of skin and forms a deep hole or curved tunnel wound which can be seen on skin easily. Tunnel wound is caused by any infection or pressure on the primary wound. If you have a tunnel wound, make sure to prevent it from microbes or pathogens by covering it with bandage. Keep changing your bandages regularly to prevent it from pus. It’s better to consult a doctor as soon as possible to treat the tunnel wound immediately because it may take longer to cure. Doctor will examine your wound, diagnose the cause of the wound and give you proper treatment for the tunnel wound. 

1. Dressing a Tunnel Wound:

• Wash your hands with a mild cleanser for 15-30 seconds: Put a little bit of a mild cleanser and lather your hand completely, then wash your hand with warm water for 15 to 30 seconds. Make sure to cover the area between your fingers and nails and wash it properly to remove microbes and pathogens from your hand. Wash off all the cleanser and dry your hand with a clean and hygienic cotton towel. Alcoholic cleanser is very beneficial for killing bacteria from your hands as it has antibacterial agents. Bacteria can cause infection that may lead to tunnel wounds. So it’s safe to wash your hands regularly to keep bacteria away and prevent tunneling wounds.

• Remove the old dressing carefully and put it in a plastic bag: It is very necessary to take care of the wound’s hygiene. Protect your wounds from bacteria by changing the dressing of your wounds regularly. Remove the gauze from the tunnel wound smoothly and carefully. If your wound sticks to the gauze then you have to dampen the wound with warm water and try again to remove the gauze from the tunnel wound. Take care of others’ hygiene and prevent bacteria from spreading, by putting the old gauze in a plastic bag and throwing it into the dustbin immediately. After this, wash your hands with antibacterial cleansers to kill bacteria. Doctor will tell you how often you have to change the dressing of the tunnel wound. You may need to change the dressing of the wound every 24 to 36 hours.

 

• Dampen sterile gauze or a soft cloth with saline or soap and water: After removal of the gauze from your wound, clean your wound with sterile gauze or with soft cloth to wipe out bacteria. Doctor will let you know which chemical will be used to clean your wound but if you haven’t consulted a doctor, then may use a mild antibacterial cleanser to clean your wound. Add some drops of cleanser in warm water and dampen the gauze or soft cloth into the solution and clean your wound.

• Dab gently around the wound with the gauze or cloth to clean the area: Use damp cloth or gauze to clean the pus or blood drainage from the wound. Do it smoothly and gently because tunnel wounds cause pain. Doctor will let you know how to wash out your deep tunnel wound with saline solution after changing the dressing. Don’t apply any kind of lotion, cream or  ointment on the wound without consulting a doctor.

• Apply a fresh dressing according to your doctor’s instructions: If you have consulted a doctor, the doctor will let you know the procedure of applying dressing on the wound and what type of dressing will be used. Dressing will depend on the wound’s size, depth and drainage. If you haven’t consulted a doctor, then you can apply antibacterial gauze on the tunnel wound and cover it completely. It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Pack your wound completely with the gauze to heal it quickly. Doctor will help you know the dressing process of the wound. To pack your wound, soak your gauze in sterile solution and put it onto your wound to fill the space in the tunnel wound completely then place dry gauze outside the wound.

• Keep your wound covered at all times to promote healing: If you want to heal your tunnel wound faster then make sure to cover it with sterile gauze all the time. Dressing will help to heal your wound faster. Dressing also protects your wound from microbes and pathogens. Change your dressing when it’s necessary. Doctor will let you know which dressing is suitable and how to change it.

 

2. Medical Treatment:

• See your doctor immediately if you develop a tunnel wound: If you have a wound, it is called a primary wound. If you start seeing a “sink-hole” appearance in your primary wound then it’s called a tunnel wound. Infection in your primary wound starts to eat the layers of skin and it develops into curved or S-shaped holes in the wounds that appear as tunnels and are known as tunnel wounds. Tunnel wounds are very dangerous and harmful, that’s the reason why you should consult a doctor as soon as possible for proper treatment. To heal it completely, it may take a few weeks or months. Don’t try to treat the tunnel wound on its own. 

• Tell your doctor your medical history and any details about your wound: If you have a primary wound and just seen tunneling then immediately consult a doctor. Tell what dressing and medicine you use to heal the primary wound and how much pain you feel. Tell the doctor if you have any medical disease like diabetes or anemia. For example if you have diabetes then it will restrict the healing process of wounds. So it’s difficult for the doctor to treat your tunnel wound without this information. 

• Follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment and follow-ups: If you want to heal your tunnel wound faster, then follow the instructions and procedure told by your doctor. Follow the instructions of dressing and packing with sterile gauze of tunnel wounds. Clean your wound every 24 to 36 hours according to the doctor’s instructions and use the medicines prescribed by your doctor. If your tunnel wound is caused by infection then the doctor will prescribe you antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines are used to heal pain and inflammation caused by tunnel wounds. Noticing the size and length of the wound will help the doctor to heal your wound faster.