Caring for a wound
By Sylvie Hampton, Tissue Viability Consultant, Tissue Viability Consultancy Services, Eastbourne.
There are many different
types of wounds, so it is always important to follow your health care professional’s
advice. The time it takes for a wound to heal varies from person to person and from
wound type to wound type. Here are our wound care top tips:
1. Showering is preferable to bathing
Many dressings are waterproof and can be left in place. Your health care professional
will advise if otherwise. Don't use any soap, shower gel, body lotion, directly
over the dressing. It's alright to allow the shower water to gently splash
over the area. However don't rub the area, as this may dislodge the dressing.
Dry the area carefully by patting it gently with a clean towel.
2. Eat a healthy diet
It is important that your diet contains protein, vitamins and minerals. These
are found in a varied diet of meat, fish, eggs and cheese as well as fruit
and vegetables. Please ask your healthcare professional for information on
healthy eating.
3. Drink plenty of fluids
It is important to drink plenty of fluid during the day (unless you have been
told not to by the doctor). This helps your wound to heal and keeps your skin
healthy. Don’t worry that this will add to the swelling in your ankles,
the fluid here is different. Water is the best, but you can have other drinks
too. Be careful not to have too many caffeine drinks or those high in sugar.
4. Exercise
Exercise is important to keep the blood flowing in your legs especially if
you have a wound in this area. Your nurse will advise you on the best exercises
for you and will tell you how often you need to do them.
Problems with wound healing
Many
wounds heal without causing any problems. However, chronic wounds may get ‘stuck’
in one phase of the healing process, so may take longer to heal. Read more
information on the types of wounds.
Wound infections are one of the most common complications. This means that germs have started to grow in the wound and this can delay normal healing. Wound infections are usually treated with a course of antibiotics, but occasionally surgery is needed.
Certain people are more likely to develop wound infections and your health care professional will discuss this with you. Those at higher risk include people who:
- Smoke
- Have diabetes
- Have a condition or treatment that affects their immune system, such as leukaemia or chemotherapy
- Have a major operation, such as bowel surgery
Your doctors and nurses will do everything that they can to prevent your wound from becoming infected while you are in hospital, but it is important that you know how to tell if you are developing an infection after you go home. If a wound becomes infected, it may:
- Become more painful
- Look red, inflamed or swollen
- Leak or weep liquid, pus or blood
- Smell unpleasant
If you are concerned about your wound, or if you develop a high temperature, or notice any of the signs listed above, you should contact your health care professional. Wound infections can be treated successfully if they are diagnosed early.
Dressing Changes
Your healthcare professional will book appointments with you to change your dressing. Many chronic wounds care dressings can be left in place for up to seven days (or as advised by your healthcare professional) providing that it's not soaked with blood or any other liquid. If this happens or your dressing starts to come off, you must contact your health care professional to come and change your dressing.
For more information on wound care, see our frequently asked questions.