Wound Care Before Surgical Follow-Up
Keep the wound clean and dry, change dressings as needed when there is significant drainage (but at least weekly), monitor closely for signs of infection, and contact your surgeon immediately if you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, purulent discharge, or worsening pain. 1, 2
Daily Wound Monitoring
You should inspect your wound daily for the following warning signs that require immediate medical attention: 1, 2
- Increasing pain that seems disproportionate to the injury
- Expanding redness or warmth around the wound edges
- Purulent (pus-like) or malodorous discharge
- Increasing swelling or firmness
- Fever or feeling systemically unwell
- Separation of wound edges
Wound Cleaning Protocol
Clean your wound gently with sterile normal saline or clean water during dressing changes. 2, 3 Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or other harsh antiseptics on healing wounds, as these can damage tissue and delay healing. 3 Simply irrigate gently to remove any debris or dried discharge, then pat dry with clean gauze before applying a fresh dressing. 1, 2
Dressing Changes
Change dressings only when there is significant exudate (drainage), but perform changes at least weekly even if the wound appears dry. 1 More frequent changes may be needed if: 1
- The dressing becomes saturated with drainage
- The dressing becomes loose or contaminated
- You need to inspect the wound for signs of infection
- Your surgeon provided specific instructions for more frequent changes
Use non-adherent dressings when possible to minimize trauma during removal. 1 If any dressing material sticks to the wound, moisten it with saline before gentle removal. 1
Activity and Positioning
Elevate the injured area when possible to reduce swelling and promote healing. 2, 4 This is particularly important for extremity wounds. Avoid activities that place tension or stress on the wound site, as this can disrupt healing and increase infection risk. 1
Hygiene Considerations
You may shower once initial wound healing has occurred (typically 1-2 weeks after surgery), but remove any dressings before washing, avoid direct water pressure on the wound, use mild soap around (not directly on) the wound, rinse thoroughly, and pat completely dry before applying a fresh dressing. 1 Do not soak the wound in baths or swimming pools until your surgeon clears you to do so. 1
Red Flags Requiring Immediate Contact
Contact your surgeon immediately—do not wait for your scheduled appointment—if you develop: 1, 2
- Fever (temperature >38°C/100.4°F)
- Rapidly spreading redness or red streaking from the wound
- Purulent discharge or foul odor
- Wound separation or dehiscence
- Severe or worsening pain despite pain medication
- Numbness or tingling around the wound suggesting nerve involvement
Medication Compliance
If you were prescribed antibiotics, complete the entire course even if the wound looks better. 2 Premature discontinuation can lead to treatment failure and resistant infections. Take pain medications as directed to maintain comfort, which facilitates proper wound care and mobility. 1
Documentation for Your Appointment
Keep a simple log noting: 1
- Date and frequency of dressing changes
- Appearance of drainage (color, amount, odor)
- Any concerning symptoms and when they occurred
- Medications taken and any side effects
This information helps your surgeon assess healing progress and identify any complications early. 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not apply topical antibiotics like bacitracin to surgical wounds unless specifically instructed, as they provide no proven benefit for surgical site infection prevention and may cause allergic reactions. 2 Do not remove sutures or staples yourself—wait for your surgeon to do this at the appropriate time. 1 Avoid tight clothing or bandages that restrict blood flow to the healing area. 1