Wound Check: Care Instructions
Overview
People have wounds that need care for many reasons. You may have a cut that needs care after surgery. You may have a cut, scrape, or puncture wound from a fall or from working in your house or garden. Or you may have a wound because of a condition like diabetes.
Whatever the cause of your wound, there are things you can do to care for it at home.
Your doctor may also want you to come back for a wound check. The wound check lets the doctor know how your wound is healing and if you need more treatment.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice for minor wounds:
- You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
- Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
- Avoid using an antibiotic ointment unless your doctor recommends it.
- Keep the wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this, you can shower if your doctor okays it. Pat the wound dry.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- If you have stitches, do not remove them on your own. Your doctor will tell you when to come back to have them removed.
- If you have tape strips, leave them on until they fall off.
- If possible, prop up the injured area on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new pain, or the pain gets worse.
- The skin near the wound is cold or pale or changes colour.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness near the wound.
- The wound starts to bleed, and blood soaks through the bandage. Oozing small amounts of blood is normal.
- You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the wound.
- Pus draining from the wound.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter P342 in the search box to learn more about "Wound Check: Care Instructions".
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.