Wound Care
In general your wound will heal best when it is cool and dry. Keep the wound completely dry for the first 48 hours - this may mean you avoid showering to that area or use glad wrap if necessary to stop water getting onto the wound when you wash. Dressings are used to collect liquid that may come from the wound and to protect the wound from irritation or from getting contaminated. Wounds that are too wet are slower to heal so if the dressing is soaked from bleeding or washing it must be replaced. Once the wound is sealed and dry you will no longer require a dressing.
If surgery has been done below the knee, the leg MUST be rested and elevated above the buttocks as much as possible throughout the day for 1-2 weeks to assist gravity in taking fluid away from your legs. Sometimes we use compression bandages/stockings or special dressings to help in these situations.
Putting ointments or other potions on a wound is rarely indicated. Fingers are the main source of infection so it is important to avoid touching a wound. Only put ointment on the wound if directed by your doctor or nurse.
Scabs or slough on a wound can slow the healing process so gentle removal is advised. This can be done by using clean tissues or a clean piece of cloth soaked in warm water. Nurses and doctors will sometimes remove the scabs using a scalpel or scissors but please do not try this yourself.
If you have dissolvable stitches that are under the skin, it is common to use steristrips to hold the skin edges together. The steristrips should be left in place for 3-7 days. Don’t be concerned if they come off before then as this sometimes happens due to movement of the skin. Most stitches are placed in the skin surface and do not dissolve. These stitches are left in place for 5-14 days depending on location and procedure, we will advise when they should be removed.
If the wound bleeds please apply firm pressure with clean tissue or gauze for 10-20mins and elevate the area if possible. If the bleeding does not stop please contact us for advice.
Redness around the wound edges in the first few days is normal. Should the surrounding tissue become increasingly red and tender after 3-4 days or if you feeling like you are developing a fever, the wound may be getting infected. The use of Betadine for a wound that is “suspect” is useful, however please make an appointment to have the wound checked as you may require antibiotics. Alternatively, you may take a picture of the wound and send it to Dr Cottee by email at bruce@skincancerdoctors.co.nz or Dr Christian by email at christian@skincancerdoctors.co.nz . We will attempt to respond to your emails within 24 hours
If surgery has been done below the knee, the leg MUST be rested and elevated above the buttocks as much as possible throughout the day for 1-2 weeks to assist gravity in taking fluid away from your legs. Sometimes we use compression bandages/stockings or special dressings to help in these situations.
Putting ointments or other potions on a wound is rarely indicated. Fingers are the main source of infection so it is important to avoid touching a wound. Only put ointment on the wound if directed by your doctor or nurse.
Scabs or slough on a wound can slow the healing process so gentle removal is advised. This can be done by using clean tissues or a clean piece of cloth soaked in warm water. Nurses and doctors will sometimes remove the scabs using a scalpel or scissors but please do not try this yourself.
If you have dissolvable stitches that are under the skin, it is common to use steristrips to hold the skin edges together. The steristrips should be left in place for 3-7 days. Don’t be concerned if they come off before then as this sometimes happens due to movement of the skin. Most stitches are placed in the skin surface and do not dissolve. These stitches are left in place for 5-14 days depending on location and procedure, we will advise when they should be removed.
If the wound bleeds please apply firm pressure with clean tissue or gauze for 10-20mins and elevate the area if possible. If the bleeding does not stop please contact us for advice.
Redness around the wound edges in the first few days is normal. Should the surrounding tissue become increasingly red and tender after 3-4 days or if you feeling like you are developing a fever, the wound may be getting infected. The use of Betadine for a wound that is “suspect” is useful, however please make an appointment to have the wound checked as you may require antibiotics. Alternatively, you may take a picture of the wound and send it to Dr Cottee by email at bruce@skincancerdoctors.co.nz or Dr Christian by email at christian@skincancerdoctors.co.nz . We will attempt to respond to your emails within 24 hours
