Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Questions about Wound and Skin Care by out Patients

1. Should I let my wound be open to air?

No, wound healing best occurs when the wound bed is kept moist and the healing cells can travel across the wound to close it.  The purpose of dressings prescribed for you is to maintain just the right amount moisture.  Also, the dressings will protect the wound from contamination from the environment.

2. Can I get my wound wet in the shower?

Yes, unless you have sutures (stitches), staples, exposed bone, or your doctor has advised against it.  Make sure you ask your doctor before you shower or bathe.  If your doctor advises you to keep your wound from getting wet while you bathe, use a garbage bag or some sort of plastic over to keep it dry.  Typically, you should not be "soaking" your wound.

3. What if I forget to change my dressing?

As soon as you remember, change your dressing.  Be careful as you remove it, just in case it is stuck to the wound.  If it is stuck, use just enough water to soak it off so that it comes off without any pain.  Then redress your wound as your doctor has directed.

4. Can I use a whirlpool to clean my wound?

No, water under pressure may drive bacteria and germs into the wound tissue.

5. If I get dry skin, can I use lotion?

Yes, skin that is kept moist is less likely to break down.  But do not put lotion in the wound or around the edges of the wound.  If you have broken or cracked skin, please ask us to recommend a product for you.

6. How do I cleanse my wound?

You can cleanse your wound using normal saline (saltwater) or a special wound cleanser prescribed by your doctor.

7. Will the sun's rays or a sun lamp help my skin?

No. These will dry out the wound bed and the goal is to keep the wound bed moist.  In additon, skin is easily burned from sun beds and extended sun tanning.

8.  What does it mean if an area of my skin changes color?

Some skin changes are not harmful, but others, like redness, can be a sign of problems.  Inspect the skin around the wound daily for any changes.  Show any changes, especially redness, promptly to your health care provider.

9. Can I use hydrogen peroxide on my wound?

No.  We do not recommed the use of hydrogen peroxide because in addition to killing bacteria, it may also kill healthy cells that are vital for wound repair.  We also do not recommend the use of betadine for the same reason.

10.  If I am diabetic, is it important to keep my blood sugar in control?

Yes! It is very important to do this because high blood sugar can slow down, and even fully prevent, the wound healing process.  Discuss with your wound care doctor what a good goal for your blood sugar to be.

11.  What other things should I be reporting to my wound care doctor?

Please report any and all of the following:

• Pain from your wound
• Increase in drainage from your wound
• High blood sugar if you are a diabetic
• Redness in the skin around your wound
• Bleeding from your wound
• Changes in your body temperature, blood pressure or mental orientation
• Need for dressing supplies
• And new wounds you find on your body
• Any changes in medications, vitamins or minerals perscribed by your general practitioner
• Difficulty in completeing the prescribed dressing changes
• Any questions or conerns you have about your wound care!