Dressing a wound protects it from infections.Every so often, wound dressings need to be changed to make sure they are doing their job.You will need some time to prepare for the change of a wound dressing.After you have changed the dressing, you need to know how to monitor the wound.
Step 1: The necessary materials should be gathered.
If you don't have to look for materials in the middle of changing your dressing, it will be more efficient.A cleanser to clean the wound is one of the things to gather before you start.A sterile dressing is similar to a pre-packaged dressing.The wound dressing can be fastened with tape.There are disposable gloves that you can wear to protect your hand from debris and harmful organisms.
Step 2: You need to wash your hands.
If you change the dressing, you can transfer the germs from your hands to the wound.It's important to limit the number of harmful microbes you expose the wound to.Warm water and soap can be used to wash your hands.You should wet your hands according to the World Health Organization.You should lather your hands with soap and then scrub your palms, backs of hands, and fingers in order.You can wash your hands with water.Dry your hands with a towel.
Step 3: Put on a pair of gloves.
You can perform wound dressing with your bare hands after performing the proper hand washing technique.As a precautionary measure, you should wear disposable gloves.A fewbacteria can be left behind by hand washing.
Step 4: The old dressing needs to be removed.
Make this process easier by pouring water on the dressing so that the edges of the tape loosen up.A cotton ball dipped in a solution could be used to wet the bandage.You could use a sterile bottle of water to clean the wound.
Step 5: Evaluate your wound.
Take a look at your wound to see if there are any signs of illness.The odor, drainage, and appearance of the wound should be noted.It is normal to have redness and swelling in the first few days after you receive a wound, but if there is a foul smell or exudate, it means that you have an infectious wound.You should report these signs to your doctor.
Step 6: The new dressing needs to be applied.
Make sure the wound is protected by applying an antibiotic cream.Wrap the wound in sterile gauze and place it around the edges.An antibiotic cream should not be used for an extended period of time.
Step 7: The dressing should be kept clean and dry.
The growth ofbacteria and fungus can be stimulated if the wound remains moist.Change the dressing if it gets wet.You should change the dressing if it becomes dirty with blood or drainage.
Step 8: Keep your body clean.
If you keep your body clean, you can limit the number ofbacteria that your wound is exposed to.You should consider taking a sponge bath, as soaking a wound in a bathtub is likely to expose it to many organisms.Try to limit the amount of water that gets on the wound by taking a shower.
Step 9: If there are any unusual changes in your wound, please report them.
If you see signs of infections or strange things around the wound, call your doctor.If you have a bad smell coming from your wound, you should call your doctor.
Step 10: If the wound isn't healing, see your doctor.
If your wound hasn't healed in a few days, there is a chance that something is wrong.The doctor can take a look at your wound if you set up an appointment and meet with him.