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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: 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. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• Ask your caregivers when you should return to have your wound checked. If you have packing in your wound, ask if and when you need to return to have packing replaced and the bandage changed.
  
  

Wound care:

• Do not stop using the bandage on your wound unless your caregivers says it is okay. Keep the bandage clean and dry.
  
  
• Clean the wound as often as directed by your caregivers. If you cannot reach the wound, have someone help you.
  
  
• If you have pain when you change your bandages, take pain medicine before you start.
  
  
• Wash your hands before and after you take care of 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.

Negative pressure wound therapy:

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is also called wound vacuum, or wound vac therapy. A vacuum device uses suction to remove fluid and waste from your wound and pull the edges closer together. It may also increase blood flow and new tissue growth in the wound. Your caregivers will decide if you need NPWT at home and how long you need it. Tell your caregivers if you do not feel able to use NPWT at home.

• If you will use NPWT at home, get trained on how to use the equipment correctly. Ask your caregivers to watch you use the vacuum device to make sure you are using it correctly. Learn when and how to change the drainage container. Keep the directions nearby where you can find them easily.
  
  
• Ask about the risks of NPWT, including bleeding and infection. Tell your caregivers about the medicines you use. Certain medicines, such as aspirin and blood thinners, increase your risk of bleeding. If you see blood in the tubing or container, or on your bandages, stop the device immediately. Apply direct pressure. Call 911 .

Eat healthy foods and drink more liquids:

Healthy foods give your body the nutrients it needs to heal your wound. Liquids prevent dehydration that can decrease the blood supply to your wound. Eat a variety of healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat, and fish. Protein, calories, vitamin C, and zinc help wounds heal. Ask caregivers for more information on wound healing and healthy foods.

Stop smoking:

Smoking delays wound healing. Smoking also increases your risk of infection after surgery. If you smoke, ask caregivers for information about how to stop.

Prevent pressure damage:

If you have a chronic wound, you may be at risk for pressure damage to your wound and other places on your body. Pressure sores can develop when blood flow to an area is blocked. For example, you sit or lie in the same position without moving and put pressure on your legs. Check your skin daily for signs of pressure sores. Common signs are swelling, open sores, blisters, a rash, or changes in color or temperature. Report these findings to your caregivers. You can help prevent pressure sores. Change your position every 15 minutes you are sitting. Prop your legs on pillows to lift your heels while you are lying down. Ask caregivers for more information on how to prevent pressure damage.

Contact your caregivers 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 medicines or treatment.

Seek care immediately or call 911 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 NPWT tubing or container, or on your bandages.

Learn more about Chronic Wound Care (Discharge Care)