Guide to Wound Care What is a wound?
Why is wound care important?
A wound occurs when the skin is cut or broken because of an injury.
If wounds are not treated properly, germs (bacteria) can enter and cause infection. It can also delay healing and affect your daily activities.
Common causes include: • Surgery • Pressure sores • Accidents • Burns What can prevent my wound from healing? • Wound infection • Poor nutrition • Poor blood supply • Medication • Old age • Chronic illness like diabetes • Smoking
How long does it take for wounds to heal? It can take weeks or months, depending on how serious the wound is and how well it is treated.
How do I look after it? • Keep the wound clean and dry at all times. • Do not change your wound dressing unless advised by the doctor or nurse. • Do not apply any products that are not prescribed by your doctor.
• Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep at night. Staying healthy helps wounds heal faster. • Quit smoking as it can slow down healing. • Do not apply pressure on the wound area. • Attend all follow up appointments as scheduled.
• Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Always complete any course of antibiotics.
What are the signs of infection?
• Keep your blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes.
• Severe pain in wound area.
• Raise the affected leg on a stool when sitting or on pillows when lying down. This helps to reduce swelling.
The following may develop within or after 72 hours: • Swelling, heat, redness, pus and foul smell around wound area. • Fever. • Stitches break open.
See your doctor or go to the Acute and Emergency Care (A&E) Department immediately if you notice signs of infection or if your wound gets worse.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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