Read this handout to learn how to care for your wound. There are many benefits to cleaning your wound. By cleaning your wound, you are lowering the risk of infection and helping speed up wound healing.
How to Clean Your Wound
Gather dressings, clean washcloths or gauze, and non-scented liquid soap.
Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 30 seconds and dry.
Gently remove the wound dressing from your skin/body. If dressing is stuck, apply warm water with cloth over dressing to help loosen it. Do not soak dressing in tub.
Wash your hands again.
Clean the skin around your open wound with antibacterial soap and warm water.
Wash your wound with the ordered soap and water and a washcloth or gauze. Use gentle pressure with circular motions going over the wound several times to clean the area. It is okay if the wound bleeds during this part and if loose scabs come off.
Rinse off all soap.
Use clean towel or gauze to pat dry.
Apply new dressing as ordered.
Activity Restrictions
Until your wound heals, avoid:
Swimming, hot tubs, and soaking the wound in a bath (gentle showers are okay)
Going in lakes and ponds
Too much stretching or exercising of the wound and areas close to the wound
Exposing the wound to dust or dirt
When to Call
Call the clinic if you notice any of these symptoms:
Redness around the wound
Warmth around your wound that is warmer than the rest of your skin
Increased swelling
Increased pain
Fever over 100.4°F
Chills
Thick, smelly drainage that is yellow or green
Who to Call
If you have questions, please contact your referring provider through MyChart or call your referring provider listed in your After Visit Summary or After Hospital Care Plan. For a list of UW Health Clinics, visit www.uwhealth.org/.