Wound Care

Keeping the wound clean and checking on it regularly is most important. It’s also important to know when you need to go to the hospital.

When to go to the ER or urgent care

• The wound is not getting better.

• It gets a serious infection - for more information read the “signs of infection” section below.

• Any injury involving a metal object.

• Getting dirt or anything unsanitary into the wound, including another person’s blood.

• IMPORTANT: If an open wound comes in contact with another person’s blood, seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention

• It is important to wear shoes at all times.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Make sure there are no rusty/sharp items around your living or sleeping spaces.

How to care for a wound

It is important to keep the wound clean so your body can help repair itself.

• Pour clean water over the wound to help clean it.

• Use a band-aid or other dressing to make sure nothing gets inside the wound.

• If you have some, use an antibacterial ointment, like Neosporin, to help heal the wound and prevent infection.

• Keep the wound dry.

• Watch out for signs of infection.

Signs of infections

Even if a wound is well cared for, it may become infected. Here’s what to look out for:

• Puss or liquid coming out of the wound

• Swollen or red skin around the wound

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever, chills, fatigue, or night sweats

• Bad smell or odor from the wound