Bandage Change

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A bandage protects your wound so it can heal. It will soak up any fluid that is coming from your wound. A bandage also puts pressure on your wound. This may reduce pain.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Remove the old bandage:

• Wash your hands.
  
  
• Loosen the tape slowly.
  
  
• Gently remove the old or soiled bandage. Place it in a plastic bag.
  
  
• Wash your hands.

Apply the new bandage:

• Wash your hands.
  
  
• Apply a clean bandage. Use medical tape to secure the bandage, if needed.
  
  
• Place any trash in the plastic bag with the old or soiled bandage. Throw the bag away.
  
  
• Wash your hands.

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are taking any vitamins, herbs, or other medicines. Keep a list of the medicines you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them in your follow-up visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your wound is bleeding.
  
  
• The skin around your wound is red, warm, or swollen.
  
  
• You have increased pain in the area of your wound.
  
  
• You see yellow fluid draining from your wound. The fluid may smell bad.
  
  
• You see red streaks on your skin starting at your wound and moving outward.
  
  
• Your wound looks like it is getting bigger or deeper than it was.

Learn more about Bandage Change (Aftercare Instructions)