Wound check: Overview
People have wounds that need care for many reasons. You may have a cut that needs care after surgery. You may have a cut, scrape, or puncture wound from an accident. Or you may have a wound because of a condition like diabetes.
Whatever the cause of your wound, there are things you can do to care for it at home.
Your doctor may also want you to come back for a wound check. The wound check lets the doctor know how your wound is healing and if you need more treatment.
How can you remove a bandage?
Removing tape or a bandage may damage healing skin or cause thin skin to tear. Unless the bandage is soiled, avoid changing it too often.
To remove, hold the skin with one hand, and gently pull the tape or bandage toward the wound. If the tape holding the bandage is stuck to the skin or hair on the skin, use bandage adhesive remover before trying to take the tape off. You can buy adhesive remover at the store where you get bandages. Read and follow the instructions on the label.
If the bandage is stuck to the wound, wet the bandage with saline solution until it loosens. Then gently roll the dressing off the skin.
Wound care: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new pain, or the pain gets worse.
- The skin near the wound is cold or pale or changes color.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness near the wound.
- The wound starts to bleed, and blood soaks through the bandage. Oozing small amounts of blood is normal.
- You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the wound.
- Pus draining from the wound.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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