This leaflet contains discharge advice following your attendance to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) or Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).
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 – wash around it where possible
- If the dressing does get wet, you should contact the nurse at your GP surgery or contact a walk in centre
- 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
- If you have been given antibiotics, it is important that you take the full course
Sutures (Stitches)
Your wound has been sutured
- The sutures should be removed in days
- Contact the nurse at your GP Surgery to arrange for the sutures to be removed
Steristrips (Paper stitches)
- These can be removed in days
- You can remove these yourself by wetting them in water and gently peeling them off
Wound Glue
- If glue has been used, it does not need to be removed – it will drop off by itself when the wound is healed
- If the glue is on your head, DO NOT wash your hair for at least 2 days. DO NOT use a hairdryer until the glue has dropped off, as the glue may melt
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.
What to look out for
You should contact/return to the A&E Department/UTC you attended 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
- Steristrips or glue get wet or come off before the wound has healed
- The wound opens up
Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious infection which can occasionally get into the body via a wound. It can be prevented by a series of injections.
You are covered against tetanus and do not need a booster today Yes/No
You have received a booster injection against tetanus today. The same injection also protects you against diphtheria and polio. You should inform your GP of this Yes/No
Contact Details
A&E Department at Fairfield General Hospital - 0161 778 2600
Date of Review: April 2024
Date of Next Review: April 2026
Ref No: PI_M_190 (Bury)