USF-COM
Department
of Family Medicine
Patient Education Information on...
Index of
Patient Education Topics
TO CARE
FOR YOUR WOUND
It is very important to keep your wound clean to avoid the problem
of infection, caused by bacteria.
CHANGING YOUR DRESSING
An antibiotic ointment was applied to your wound today before the bandages
were put on. This is to prevent germs from interfering with the healing
process. It also helps keep your healing wound moist. We recommend
that you purchase an ‘over the counter’ antibiotic ointment from your drug
store and apply this to your wound when changing the bandages each day.
You may also gently wash your wound with soap and water when changing the
dressing, but do not allow your wound to soak for long periods of time.
Keep your bandages clean and dry. If they should get dirty or wet,
change them as instructed above.
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GIVE YOUR WOUND A CHANCE TO HEAL
Try not to use the area of your body where the wound is for a few days.
Your wound needs time to heal and too much movement interferes with the
healing process. Protect your wound from bumps, scrapes, or rubbing.
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STAGES OF HEALING
Your wound heals in stages. The first stage is the inflammatory
phase. This may cause your wound to be painful, swollen and reddened
for the first few days. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as Advil
or Motrin may help you during this time. Your wound is the weakest at this
stage.
The second stage is the collagen phase. Collagen is an
important building block in our bodies and new collagen is being formed
in your wound during this stage to strengthen it. Therefore, good
nutrition and fluid intake is important during your healing process.
The third stage of the healing process is the maturation phase.
This phase takes many months to complete as your wound matures and scarring
occurs. How much scar develops depends on many factors, one of which
is
how well you take care of your wound.
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LOOK FOR SIGNS OF INFECTION
Infection is indicated by increased redness, swelling, warmth and/or draining
pus. Remember, some redness, swelling and pain is expected during the inflammation
phase of healing. If these symptoms increase, or you develop a fever,
call your doctor.
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REMOVAL OF STITCHES
The physician suggest the stitches be removed in about 5-7days. This
often will depend on the location of the stitches, as some parts of the
body take longer to heal than others.
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MORE INFORMATION ON
WOUND CARE