Emergency and Urgent Care - Wound Care

This leaflet contains discharge advice following your attendance to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E).

You have a wound which has been treated. The treatment method used depends on the type of wound you have and an appropriate dressing will also be covering the wound.

Looking after your wound

• You MUST keep your wound/dressing clean and dry
• You must NOT cover the wound/dressing with plastic bags or anything else which is waterproof – this will make the wound soggy, and can lead to infections and delayed healing
• Take painkillers such as paracetamol if needed
• Always take medication according to the manufacturers instructions
• If you have been given antibiotics, it is important that you take the full course

What to expect

It is normal for there to be a small amount of redness and swelling around a healing wound. It can take up to a year for the scar to fade to its final colour.

Most wounds take 5 - 14 days to heal. Some more complex/ deeper wounds can take a few weeks longer. The wound may also need redressing more frequently - you will be provided with more information about this before you are discharged.

Do not apply any creams or make-up to the wound area.
 
Protect the healed wound from sunlight for 6 - 12 monthe after it has healed. YOUR SKIN IS VULNERABLE AT THIS TIME, USE SUN BLOCK.

What to look out for

You should contact/return to the A&E Department or see your GP if any of the following occur:

• The wound becomes very red or swollen
• The wound becomes very painful
• Pus leaks from the wound
• The wound opens up

Can I go to work?

You will be advised by a healthcare professional whether you can work or not. If you work in a workplace that could cause more harm or involving food hygiene then you should not work until it is fully healed.

Will I have a scar?

Yes, you will likely be left with a scar or a mark, this is impossible to predict. Healed wounds are always red and more obvious at first but this will settle in time.

Can I swin or play sports?

No is the simple answer.

Any physical exercise or moisture may delay your wounds healing process. Children should be advised to avoid PE at school.

If you have any concerns please contact the Emergency department for further advice on 0161 627 8926.

The Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JH.