Wound Check: What You Should Do After Visiting the Clinic
It’s never easy when you have a chronic wound. In fact, it is known to be a huge burden to patients physically, emotionally and financially. But with more than 6 million Americans suffering from a type of chronic wound, the importance of proper wound care both in a health facility and at home has never been more critical to wound healing because it speeds up healing, prevents infection and minimizes scarring.
If you’re suffering from a chronic wound, you need to learn how to wound check, which is basically caring for your wound after your visit to the clinic. Here are some important tips:
Ask your Doctor for Instructions
Every wound is different and so is the type of care that it needs. To make sure that you’re doing the right thing, you have to ask your doctor for wound check instructions when you visit the clinic.
Most health care providers also provide this as part of patient education, so make sure you take notes.
Keep the Wound Moist and Covered
One of the most basic wound check steps is to make sure that your wound is moist and covered properly. After 24-48 hours of keeping your wound dry, you can start by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly and covering the wound with a non-stick bandage to protect it from dirt that can easily cause infection.
The petroleum jelly will provide the barrier between your wound and the bandage to prevent dead skin from sticking. Change your dressing as often as needed to make sure there is no chance for bacterial buildup in the affected area.
Follow your Medication Plan
As part of wound care, you will be given a list of medications to take for pain and to prevent infection. Make sure that you follow your prescription religiously to avoid overdosing and to maximize the effects of your medication. If you experience any reactions with the medicines prescribed to you, talk to your doctor right away to avoid further complications.
Give Yourself Time to Rest
Your wound needs time to heal and your body to keep up with it. This is the best time to rest and make sure that your wound is elevated above the level of your heart to reduce swelling. Never engage in strenuous activities or intense workouts that could potentially delay the healing process or make your wound worse.
Eat Healthier
As your body heals, you will need all the nutrients to help it recover faster and build up a stronger immunity. Eating foods high in protein, zinc, and vitamins will help your body with the recovery process and keep you healthier as your wound heals.
It’s also very important to drink water to keep yourself hydrated, especially when you’re not as mobile because of your wound.
Of course, there’s always the importance of consulting a wound care specialist when needed. Even the smallest and simplest wounds can get bigger if not treated properly. So whenever you injure yourself, never hesitate to set an appointment with your doctor right away for proper evaluation and care.
We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all wound care issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.
