Open Wound Care Instructions For biopsy, ED&C, curettage, drainage sites, and other wounds healing without stitches Proper wound care helps the area heal more comfortably and reduces the risk of infection and excessive scabbing. Keep the wound **clean, moist, and covered** until the skin has completely closed. Your Dressing Options Option 1 — Preferred: Hydrocolloid Dressing Use a hydrocolloid blister bandage, such as **Band-Aid® Hydro Seal® Blister Bandages**. 1. Wash your hands. 2. Gently clean the wound with mild soap and water. 3. Rinse and pat the area completely dry. 4. Apply a Hydro Seal bandage large enough for the adhesive border to attach securely to intact skin around the entire wound. 5. Leave it in place for **up to 5 days**, provided it remains sealed, comfortable, and free of leakage. 6. Replace it sooner if it becomes loose, leaks, is heavily soiled, or drainage reaches the edges. Continue using the dressing until the wound has closed. Hydrocolloid bandages are designed to remain in place for several days and maintain a moist healing environment. ([Band-Aid][1]) What may appear under a Hydro Seal dressing The dressing may become raised and develop: * White or yellowish gel * Cloudy fluid * A soft bubble-like appearance This commonly occurs as the dressing absorbs normal wound fluid and does not automatically mean the wound is infected. Stop using Hydro Seal and call our office if: * Pain is increasing * Redness, warmth, or swelling is spreading * Thick pus or foul-smelling drainage develops * You develop fever or chills * The wound begins worsening after initially improving Remove the Hydro Seal, gently wash the wound, switch temporarily to Vaseline and a standard bandage, and call 305-397-8622. --- Option 2 — Vaseline and Bandage 1. Wash your hands. 2. Gently clean the wound with mild soap and water. 3. Pat dry. Do not scrub. 4. Apply a generous layer of plain Vaseline® or Aquaphor® unless another ointment was specifically prescribed. 5. Cover with a clean Band-Aid, non-stick pad, or gauze secured with paper tape. 6. Change the dressing **twice daily**, and sooner if it becomes wet, loose, or soiled. Continue until the wound has fully closed. Keeping a wound moist with petrolatum and covered supports healing and helps prevent a thick scab. ([American Academy of Dermatology][2]) Use mupirocin or another antibiotic ointment only when specifically prescribed. Routine topical antibiotics may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some patients. ([American Academy of Dermatology][3]) Showering and Water Exposure You may shower unless you received different instructions. * Allow water to run gently over the area. * Do not scrub the wound. * Do not aim strong water pressure directly at it. * A well-sealed Hydro Seal dressing may remain in place while showering. * Pat the area dry afterward. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes, baths, and prolonged soaking until the wound is completely healed. What Is Normal During healing, you may notice: * Mild tenderness * Mild redness immediately around the wound * Mild swelling * Mild itching * Small amounts of clear, pink, yellowish, or blood-tinged drainage * Gradual shrinking of the wound * A pink or red appearance after the surface closes Healing time depends on the wound’s size, depth, and location: * **Face:** often 1–3 weeks * **Trunk or arms:** often 2–4 weeks * **Legs:** commonly 3–6 weeks or longer Bleeding A small amount of spotting or oozing can be normal. For active bleeding: 1. Place clean gauze directly over the wound. 2. Apply firm, continuous pressure for **20 minutes**. 3. Do not lift the gauze to check during that time. 4. Repeat once if needed. Call the office if bleeding continues after two rounds of uninterrupted pressure or if the dressing rapidly becomes saturated. Discomfort Pain is usually mild. * Acetaminophen may be used as directed if you can take it safely. * A cool compress may be placed over the dressing for 10–15 minutes at a time. * Do not place ice directly on the wound. Do not stop medically required aspirin, anticoagulants, or other prescribed medications unless instructed by the clinician managing them. Activity Avoid friction, pressure, or repeated stretching over the wound. Depending on the wound’s location and size, you may need to temporarily avoid: * Strenuous exercise * Heavy lifting * Contact sports * Tight clothing or equipment rubbing the area * Shaving directly over the wound Signs of Possible Infection Contact Lincoln Road Dermatology promptly for: * Increasing pain, especially after initial improvement * Expanding redness * Increasing warmth or swelling * Thick yellow or green drainage * Pus or foul odor * Fever or chills * Red streaking away from the wound * A wound that is worsening rather than gradually improving Worsening pain, warmth, swelling, pus-like drainage, crusting, and fever can indicate infection and warrant prompt evaluation. ([American Academy of Dermatology][2]) After the Wound Has Closed Once there is no open or draining area: * Stop using ointment and dressings unless instructed otherwise. * Protect the area from sun exposure. * Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. * Silicone scar gel or sheets may be considered when appropriate. * Do not begin scar massage until the wound has fully closed and your physician approves it. Scars often remain pink or firm initially and can continue improving for up to 12 months. Contact Us: Call 305-397-8622 if you have questions or concerns about healing. These are general instructions. Follow any individualized directions provided by your physician, as they take priority. [1]: https://www.band-aid.com/products/adhesive-bandages/hydro-seal-all-purpose-bandages?utm_source=chatgpt.com "BAND-AID® Brand HYDRO SEAL® All Purpose ..." [2]: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/skin-biopsy-wound-care?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Skin biopsy: Dermatologist-recommended wound care" [3]: https://www.aad.org/news/6-skin-biopsy-wound-care-tips-from-dermatologists?utm_source=chatgpt.com "6 skin biopsy wound care tips from dermatologists"