- Should
I let my wound just be open to air?
No.
Wound healing best occurs when the wound bed is
kept moist and the healing cells can travel
across the wound to close it. The purpose of
dressings prescribed for you is to maintain just
the right amount of moisture, not too much and
not too little. It will also protect the wound
from contamination from the environment.
- Can
I get my wound wet in the shower?
Yes,
unless you have sutures (stitches), staples,
exposed bone, or your doctor has advised against
it. Make sure you ask before you shower or
bathe. If you need to keep your wound dry, use a
garbage bag or some sort of plastic cover to
keep it dry when you shower. Typically, you
should not be “soaking” your wound.
- What
if I forget to change my dressing?
As
soon as you remember, change your dressing. Be
careful in removing it, just in case it is stuck
to the wound. Use enough water to soak it off if
it is stuck, so that it comes off without
causing you any pain. Then redress your
wound as the doctor has directed.
- How
do I cleanse my wound?
You
can cleanse your wound using normal saline (salt
water) or a special wound cleanser prescribed by
your doctor.
- Can
I use a whirlpool to clean my wound?
No. Water under pressure may drive bacteria
(germs) into the wound tissue. We do not
typically recommend whirlpool on a regular
basis.
- If
I get dry skin, can I use lotion?
Yes,
skin that is kept moist is less likely to break
down. But do not put skin lotion in the wound.
If you have skin that is broken open, please ask
the doctor for a recommended product.
- What
kind of skin lotion does the Wound Center
suggest?
Any
kind of lotion that is an emollient, which puts
moisture back into the skin instead of covering
the skin as another layer. Do not use petroleum
jelly, because it forms a separate layer.
Examples of emollients that may be used are:
Curel Moisturizing, Nivea, Neutrogena, A&D
ointment, Vitamin A&D, Eucerin Moisturizing,
Keri Lotion and Lubriderm.
- Will
the sun’s rays or a sun lamp help my skin?
No. These will dry out the wound bed and the
goal is to keep the wound bed moist. In
addition, skin may be burned and cause other
problems.
- What
does it mean if an area of my skin changes
color?
Some
skin changes are not harmful, but others, like
redness, can be a sign of problems. Inspect the
skin around the wound daily for any changes.
Show any changes, especially redness, promptly
to your health care provider.
- Can
I use betadine or hydrogen peroxide on my wound?
No. The Wound Center does not recommend these
solutions, because they can kill healthy cells.
- If
I am a diabetic, is it important to keep my
blood sugar in control?
Yes,
it is very important. High blood sugar can slow
down or prevent wound healing. Discuss with your
wound care doctor what would be a good goal for
your blood sugar level to be.
- What
other things should I be reporting to my wound
care doctor?
Please
inform your doctor of any of the following:
·
Pain
from your wound
·
Increase
in drainage from your wound
·
High
blood sugar if you are diabetic
·
Redness
in the skin around your wound
·
Bleeding
from your wound
·
Changes
in your body temperature, blood pressure or mental
orientation
·
Need
for dressing supplies
·
Any
new wounds you find on your body
·
Any
changes in your medications
·
Difficulty
in completing the prescribed dressing changes
·
Any
questions or concerns you have about your wound
care!
Any wound that
has not started to heal in two weeks or completely
healed in six weeks may benefit from a specialized
wound care center. Ask your regular physician if a
referral to The Wound Healing Center at Paul B. Hall
Regional Medical Center might be the right option
for you!
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