Wound Care Basics

Why This Matters

Taking care of a wound the right way helps prevent infection, speeds healing, and keeps you safe. This guide explains simple steps you can follow at home and when to reach out for help.

✅ Basic Wound Care at Home

• Wash your hands before and after touching your wound.
• Gently clean the wound with mild soap and water or as directed by your provider.
• Use clean dressings to cover the wound and change them regularly.
• Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage, odor, fever).
• Eat healthy foods & stay hydrated — good nutrition supports healing.

🚨 When to Seek Medical Help

Call your doctor, nurse, or go to urgent care if you notice:

• Increasing pain, redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound
• Pus, odor, or excessive drainage
• Fever or chills
• Wounds that don’t improve within 1–2 weeks
• Deep wounds, animal/human bites, or injuries with dirt/rust (you may need a tetanus shot)

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not use harsh chemicals (like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol) unless directed by a provider.
• Do not pick at scabs or healing skin.
• Do not reuse old or dirty dressings.
• Do not ignore slow-healing wounds — especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a history of chronic wounds.

🌐 Helpful Websites for Patients

1. MedlinePlus – Wound Care
   medlineplus.gov/woundcare.html
2. American Academy of Dermatology – Wound Care Tips
   www.aad.org
3. Wound Healing Society (WHS)
   www.woundheal.org
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Wound & Infection Prevention
   www.cdc.gov
5. WOCN Society – Patient Resources
   www.wocn.org/patients