How often should I change my dressing?
· Leave your dressing in place for as long as possible, or as long as your nurse recommends. Normally a dressing is changed between 1 and 3 times a week.
It will be necessary to change your dressing immediately in these situations:
· If fluid starts to leak out of the edge of the dressing
· If the dressing peels off
What to look out for?
These conditions are signs that your wound might be infected:
· It is more painful than normal
· The amount of fluid increases significantly
· The skin around your wound starts to swell and becomes red and fiery
· If the smell from your wound gets worse
· If there is excessive heat from/in your wound
Other conditions that can affect the wound healing is:
· If you see more yellow or new black tissue developing
You should immediately contact your nurse if you see signs of infection
What can help a wound to heal?
· It is important that the wound is kept moist to support healing
· Do not smoke
· Eat a healthy and balanced diet
· Exercise regularly within your own ability
· Get a good night’s sleep
Your wound may take longer to heal for a number of reasons both related to your general health and the wound condition.
What are specialised wound dressings designed to do?
· Provide physical protection for your wound
· Keep the wound moist and prevent the dressing from causing pain and damage at removal
· Stay on your wound longer to support wound healing*
· Absorb the fluid from your wound and prevent it getting onto your clothes
· Be comfortable to wear
