Keep your wound clean and apply any ointment they prescribe. Cover your wound when you bathe or shower to avoid getting it wet. Clean your wound with soap and water or with a special wound cleaner before applying ointment. Replace your bandages regularly and when they become dirty or wet.
Avoid touching the wound unless you’re cleaning it, and never scratch it if it’s itchy.
You can create your own saline solution by mixing two teaspoons of salt with one quart (about a liter) of warm water.
You can also just boil tap water and let it cool until it’s safe to use.
Use an over-the-counter cream, such as Neosporin or petroleum jelly, if you haven’t been prescribed one from your doctor. You can also ask your pharmacist to recommend an over the counter antibiotic ointment. If your wound feels painful, you might even be able to find an ointment that has pain relief.
Avoid using a dressing that sticks to the wound. If you apply enough ointment, your dressing shouldn’t stick to your wound. Choose a sterile bandage instead of gauze. [7] X Research source
Take any other medications, such as pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs, as directed. If you received stitches, don’t get them wet for 24 hours unless directed by your doctor.
For example, if you have an arm or leg injury, elevate the limb to hold the wound at a higher point than your heart.
Soak a puncture wound for 15 minutes in a warm saline solution to flush debris. If necessary, dip a pair of tweezers in alcohol to sanitize them, and use them to remove particles of debris from a scrape or cut that you can’t flush with water. Consult a doctor if you can’t remove any debris from a puncture wound or deep cut.
Be sure to change the dressing at least once a day or whenever it comes damp or dirty. If the wound doesn’t become infected, just clean it with saline solution at least once daily or whenever you change the dressing.
Redness Swelling Heat (increased temperature at the wound site) Pain Tenderness Pus
Getting stitches within a few hours of the injury will reduce the risk of scarring and infection. Keep in mind that wounds with jagged edges are more likely to become infected, so make sure you see a doctor if you have this type of wound.
Increased pain and swelling Red streaks traveling away from the wound A foul odor coming from the wound Increased amounts of pus and fluid coming from the wound Fever Chills Nausea and/or vomiting Swollen lymph nodes
Oral antibiotics, or systemic antibiotics, are taken by the mouth and are best if your doctor believes the infection is spreading or if your immune system is compromised. Tell your doctor about fever or any other symptoms, and be sure to mention any chronic health conditions or medications that might have weakened your immune system. [14] X Research source
For example, be sure to consult a doctor if you take a prescription blood thinner or if your immune system is compromised. In addition to wounds from rusty or soiled objects, it’s best to see a doctor for wounds from animal or human bites or with hard to remove debris. Also, keep in mind that some people are at an increased risk of infection, such people who are diabetic, elderly, obese, or immunocompromised (those who have HIV/AIDS, are undergoing chemotherapy, or who are on a steroid medication).
Feeling short of breath Having a rapid heartbeat Feeling confused Having excessive bleeding that soaks through your bandages Feeling like your wound is ripping or noticing that it has actually come apart Having severe pain Noticing red streaks coming from the infected area
