Chronic Wound Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A wound is a type of injury where there is a break in the skin and may be nearby tissue damage. Chronic wounds are wounds that do not heal completely in 6 weeks. Examples of wounds that can become chronic are deep ulcers (open sores), large burns, and infected cuts.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Wound care:

• Do not stop using the bandage on your wound unless your primary healthcare provider says it is okay. Keep the bandage clean and dry.
  
  
• Clean the wound as often as directed by your primary healthcare provider.
  
  
• Wash your hands before and after you care for your wound.
  
  
• Your wound may need to be packed with gauze each time you change the bandages. Write down how many pieces of gauze are placed inside your wound. Be sure the same number comes out each time you replace the packing.

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take away or decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. If you have pain when you change your bandages, take pain medicine before you start.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine will help fight or prevent an infection. Take your antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have increased or new pain, swelling, redness, or bleeding in or around your wound.
  
  
• You have new or different pus or a foul odor coming from the wound.
  
  
• Your skin itches, swells, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your medicine or treatment.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have muscle or joint pain, body aches, or sweating, with a fever.
  
  
• You have a headache with diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, or a sore throat.
  
  
• You are confused, or feel dizzy or faint when you stand up.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing or sudden chest pain.
  
  
• You see blood in the negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) tubing or container, or on your bandages.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Chronic Wound Care (Aftercare Instructions)