Medical Monday - Taking care of your wound at home: the basics
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It’s inevitable. Everyone will suffer from a scrape or cut at some part in their life. Most
wounds are classified as incisions (cuts), lacerations (rugged cuts) or abrasions
(grazes). Most of the time, simple wound care can be managed from home. If the
wound seems deep or looks severe, then a medical clinician can guide you on how to
best proceed.
Having the right wound care process at home can improve patient comfort, healing time
and outcomes. There are many ways to dress or bandage a wound. Simple uninfected
wounds may be left open to allow them to dry and heal. Others need to be kept moist to
improve healing. Your health care professional will advise what level of activity is
appropriate.
To prevent complications, here are some self care suggestions in taking care of your
wound at home:
Keep the site clean and covered at all times, no matter how small the wound may
be. Debris can easily enter broken skin and cause infection, so it is best to apply
a petroleum jelly under the bandage, so it stays moist.
Keep a well stocked first aid kit at home as a bandage should be changed daily
to prevent the wound from becoming too deep or developing a scab.
Include foods rich in vitamin c in order for your body to make collagen that will
promote healing.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily to supply your body with nutrients essential
to wound healing such as vitamin a, copper and zinc.
Do not take drugs that interfere with the body’s natural healing process – ask
your doctor for a list of medicines to avoid.
Keep your wound dressed as they heal faster if they are kept warm (unless
advised otherwise by your doctor).
On chronic wounds, avoid creams or sprays as they can hamper the cells
involved with wound repair.
Have regular exercise because it increases blood flow and speeds wound
healing.
If a crust or scab forms over the wound, do not pick the crust as it can cause
scarring and infection.
Be sure to check your wound regularly and see your doctor if you have symptoms
including increased pain, bleeding, pus, discharge, or a fever. Speak to one of Medical
Mart’s Home Health Care Consultants to learn about changing dressings and implement
a proper treatment plan. We are happy to show you some of the advanced intuitively-
designed products by Medline so you have the best chance to heal.
Visit Medical Mart for all your health care needs.
Medical Mart Heartland Town Centre
550 Matheson Blvd. West, Unit 101, Mississauga ON L5R 4B8
Easily accessible by bus route 66 McLaughlin (McLaughlin and Matheson)
Phone: (905) 624-2011 Toll Free: (800) 379-4780
store@medimart.com www.medimarthomehealthcare.ca
www.facebook.com/medimartretail YouTube
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
