Wound Advice

This leaflet is intended to reinforce advice given after your wound has been assessed in the department. 

General wound care

• Try to keep your wound clean and dry at all times. If the wound accidentally becomes wet please dab dry with a clean cloth. 

• There will be clear fluid oozing from the wound which is self limiting. If the dressing becomes saturated 

• please discuss with your local pharmacist/practice nurse for replacement dressings (if this has not been issued). 

• Discomfort/pain should be managed using either ibuprofen/paracetamol. If you think you may be allergic to either please discuss with a community pharmacist who will advise. 

• Prophylactic antibiotics are reserved for wounds considered to be at high risk of infection. 

• Once the wound has started to heal please apply a non-scented moisturising cream to aide the healing process. 

Wound infection 

Wound infections occasionally occur, should any of the following features develop with a fever (feeling cold and shivery) please return to the Victoria Emergency department: 

• Redness spreading beyond the margins of the wound. 

• Pus (yellow offensive liquid) is oozing from the wound. 

If either of the above occurs WITHOUT a fever or the wound partly opens please organise a review with your Practice nurse. 

Specific treatments 

(please tick relevant treatment) 

Steristrips: 

"Paper stiches" have been used to close your wound, these should be left in place for 5-7days. If they get wet by accident please dab with a dry cloth. 

When it is time to remove the steristrips please moisten with luke warm soapy water and peel back, alternatively do this in the bath/shower. 

Tissue glue: 

This has been applied to areas where it is felt the wound will not be vulnerable to being pulled apart e.g. head wounds. This does not require formal removal as it will dissolve. Avoid moisture and combing the area for the first 48 hours. 

Staples: 

If has been decided your wound will heal better after closing with staples. The staples are designed to stand up and can get caught when using a comb. 

Should you wish to use a hairdryer please use the low heat setting to prevent the staples heating up and causing burns. 

Please organise a review with your practice nurse in ........... days to remove 

staples. 

Sutures: 

Your wound has been closed using a "stitch". (please tick according to type of sutures placed). 

Dissolvable sutures have been placed which will not require removal. It is frequent for a little tail to remain for up to 3 weeks but this will fall out by itself. 

Non-absorbable suture- 

sutures have been placed which will require removal by your practice nurse in 

.... days.