Infection Precaution
With a disorder such as EB, where bleeding and draining wounds are common, it is crucial to reduce the risk of spreading infection from contact with blood and body fluids. In order to protect family members, friends and caregivers, it is important to maintain standard and contact precautions. These are guidelines designed by the CDC (US Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention) to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms in hospitals, but the principles apply to home situations, as well. At this time, infection control guidelines for the home setting have not yet been developed by the CDC.
Standard Precautions should be maintained when one comes in contact with the following from any individual: 1) blood; 2) all body fluids, secretions, and excretions except sweat, regardless of whether or not they contain visible blood; 3) non-intact skin; and 4) mucous membranes.
Contact Precautions apply to specific individuals known or suspected to be infected or colonized (presence of microorganism in or on patient but without clinical signs and symptoms of infection) with microorganisms.
These precautions include guidelines on:
- Hand hygiene: the single, most effective way to minimize the spread of infection
- Alcohol-based handrubs: significantly reduce the number of microorganisms on skin and are fast acting
- The use of gloves (hand washing is still essential!)
- Handling soiled linen, clothing and bandages: must be done in a manner that prevents contamination and transfer of microorganisms
Other recommendations include:
- Use paper towels rather than fabric towels after hand washing
- Avoid double dipping in tubs of ointment
- Use a smock or gown to cover your clothing when working with bleeding or draining wounds
- Clean and disinfect surfaces, keyboards, phones and remote control devices
- Cleanse humidifiers daily using soap and water and then rinse with a dilute bleach solution (1:10)
- Clean with disinfectants. Disinfectants kill most bacteria. Disinfecting the bandage changing area will help prevent the spread of infection.
- Change your toothbrush regularly and often and especially after the flu or a cold
- Consider supplying "tools" for your child to take to school, i.e., his/her own crayons, markers, etc.
