Simple Wound Care

Wound Care Steps for Clean Wounds where there is no suspicion of infection

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Items Needed (2 options of dressing)

• Standard Dressing (Twice Daily Changes):

  • Aquaphor or Vaseline with Regular Band-Aids (or Sensitive Skin Band-Aids). 

  • If adhesive allergic or fragile skin: Aquaphor or Vaseline with Nonstick gauze, paper tape 

• Hydrocolloid Dressing (Low-Maintenance):

  • Band-Aid Hydro Seal or alternatives like Curad, Duoderm Extra Thin, or CVS Hydrocolloid

  • Only for sites where there is no concern for infection

 

First 24 Hours:

• Keep the bandage dry and intact.

 

After 24 Hours:
Option 1: Standard Dressing (Twice Daily Changes):

1. Clean the wound gently with warm, soapy water using a cotton ball or Q-tip.

2. Pat dry and apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline with a clean Q-tip.

3. Cover with Band-Aid or sensitive-skin options. For adhesive sensitivity, use nonstick gauze with paper tape.

4. Repeat twice daily. Shower without a bandage but reapply ointment and a fresh dressing afterward.

Option 2: Hydrocolloid Dressing (Low-Maintenance):

1. Apply hydrocolloid dressing directly to a clean wound.

2. Leave for up to 5 days unless loose or soiled. Replace as needed until healed (2–3 weeks).

3. No additional covering is needed during showers.

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Showering & Activities

• Shower after 24 hours; avoid soaking or direct pressure on the wound. Blot softly to dry.

• Avoid friction until fully healed.

• Avoid sun to decrease the risk of pigmentation change to the area.

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What to Watch For:

• Normal: Mild redness, yellow drainage, slight tenderness at the start of wound healing process.

• Call Us: Increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, foul-smelling drainage, or persistent bleeding after 20 minutes of pressure.

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Please contact our office immediately at 305-397-8622 if you notice any of the following signs of infection:

• Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound

• Persistent or worsening pain

• Pus or foul-smelling drainage

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure

• Fever or chills