Heal Right: Smart Wound Care Matters

Wounds can result from injuries, minor burns and surgical procedures. Regardless of the cause, proper wound care is vital to support healing and prevent infections that can delay healing or lead to serious complications.

Healing is a gradual process in which the body stops bleeding, fights infection, repairs damaged tissue, and strengthens the skin over time

Taking the right steps to care for a wound helps protect it from infection, supports faster healing, reduces scarring, and improves overall recovery. The following tips are essential to speed up recovery and minimise scarring

While You Are in the Hospital:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching your wound or dressing.
• Keep the wound area clean and dry, and report pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, or discharge.
• Politely remind staff to sanitise their hands and wear gloves or masks when needed.
• Ask your doctor or nurse to show you how to look after your wound at home.

At Home: Daily Wound Care:

Follow the instructions given by your doctor. As a general guide:

• Wash hands before and after dressing changes
• Remove the old dressing gently. If it sticks, wet it with clean water or saline.
• Clean the wound only as advised. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine. Use clean saline or wound-cleaning solution as advised.
• Gently pat dry the skin around the wound. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or other products unless advised by your doctor
• Put on a new, clean dressing and fix it in place
• Take your medicines and complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed
• Do not reuse old dressings
• Dispose of used dressings safely

Avoid scratching the wound or picking the scabs, even if it itches

Warning Signs: When to Call the Doctor:

• Fever or chills.
• Spreading redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound.
• Pain that is getting worse instead of better.
• Pus, foul smell, or increased discharge from the wound.
• Wound not healing or getting worse over time
• Bleeding that does not stop
• Blackening of skin or tissue
• Worsening swelling in diabetic patients

Do not apply home remedies, powders, toothpaste, or herbal products unless advised by a healthcare professional

Modern stitches, plasters, and dressings are designed to protect your wound and reduce infection. With simple, regular care and quick response to warning signs, most wounds heal safely and well.