Patients

• Intro: some text goes here
• Clean the Wound: Ensuring your wound is clean is critical in preventing serious infection. Using a mild soap and water, gently wash the area around the wound, making sure to remove any dirt or debris. Cleaning the wound often creates a better environment for healing. Depending on the stage of the wound, we recommend avoiding rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These can cause irritation when used in excess.
• Keep Dressing Dry: Unless given other instructions from your provider, keep wound dressings dry by changing them daily. Excess drainage that remains in contact with the wound can result in infection. Do not leave wounds exposed as this can cause dirt, infection, and dryness which can ultimately lead to longer healing times.
• Keep Wound Covered: Covering the wound protects it from dirt, bacteria, and further injury.

• Blood clots and scab starts to form
• White blood cells prevent infection and repair damaged tissue
• Red blood cells create collagen to form base for new tissue to begin growing
• New skin forms over tissue, and wound begins to get smaller
  Scar forms and strengthens skin over wound

Minor wounds should begin to show signs of improvement within a few days. Individuals with chronic wounds could be suffering from an underlying circulatory or nutrition issue. Individuals with wounds that are showing no sign of healing after two weeks should contact a healthcare provider.

DO:

• Keep the Wound Clean: Clean the wound using a mild soap and water.
• Use Appropriate Dressing: Select the right dressing based on the severity and type of wound and change dressing regularly, as advised by a healthcare professional.
• Ensure Proper Healing Environment: In addition to proper dressings, create a moist environment with a small amount of petroleum jelly (ensure recommendation from healthcare professional for more severe wounds).
• Maintain Healthy Diet: Adequate hydration and a balanced diet will help with the body’s overall healing process.

DON’T:

• Use Harsh Cleaning Agents: Avoid using alcohol based solutions to clean wound. Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol can dry out wound and slow healing process.
• Pick Scabs or Wounds: Messing with scabs or wounds can disrupt the healing tissue.
• Apply Excessive Pressure: Avoid using tight bandages or applying excessive pressure to the wound as this can impact blood flow.
• Ignore Signs of Infection: Things like increased pain, pus, and foul odor are all signs of infection. If any of these are present with your wound, seek medical attention immediately.
• Smoke or Consume Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can hinder the body’s ability to heal effectively.