Guide to Effective Wound Care at Home

Important: Read This First

This guide is for wound care BETWEEN professional visits. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions for your wound. If their instructions differ from this guide, follow their directions.

Never attempt to treat a new or serious wound on your own. This guide is for maintaining wounds already being treated by a healthcare professional.

If you notice signs of infection or worsening, contact your wound care provider immediately—don't wait for your next appointment.

Before You Begin: Gather Your Supplies

Having everything ready before you start makes the process easier and safer. Here's what you'll typically need:

Essential Supplies

Clean, dry towels or paper towels
Disposable medical gloves
Saline solution or clean water
Gauze pads (sterile)
Medical tape or bandage wraps
Plastic bag for disposal
Scissors (if needed to cut tape/bandages)

Provider-Prescribed Items

Specific dressings prescribed by your provider
Prescribed ointments or creams (if ordered)
Special wound care products (if provided)
Any compression wraps or specialized bandages

Use only products recommended by your provider. Don't substitute without asking first.

Helpful Tip

Keep all your wound care supplies in one dedicated container or bag. This makes it easy to find everything when it's time for a dressing change and helps maintain cleanliness.

Step-by-Step Wound Care Process

Follow these steps carefully each time you change your wound dressing.

Prepare Your Workspace

Choose a clean, well-lit area with a flat surface

Gather all supplies before you start

Lay out supplies on a clean towel or paper towel

Make sure the patient is comfortable and positioned properly

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

This is THE MOST IMPORTANT step to prevent infection!

Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds

Scrub between fingers, under nails, and wrists

Dry hands completely with a clean towel

Put on clean disposable gloves immediately

Remove the Old Dressing

Gently loosen tape by pulling toward the wound (not away from it)

If dressing sticks, moisten with saline solution—never pull forcefully

Notice the amount and color of any drainage on the old dressing

Place old dressing in a plastic bag immediately—don't set it on surfaces

Remove gloves, wash hands again, and put on fresh gloves

Clean the Wound

Gently rinse with sterile saline solution or clean water (as instructed)

Pat dry gently with clean gauze—don't rub

Clean from the center outward in a circular motion

Use a fresh piece of gauze for each wipe—never reuse

DON'T use: Hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or alcohol unless specifically instructed—these can damage healing tissue

Apply Medication or Ointment (If Prescribed)

Use only products prescribed by your healthcare provider

Apply the exact amount instructed—more is not better

Apply gently without rubbing or pressing too hard

If no medication was prescribed, skip this step

Apply the New Dressing

Use the specific type of dressing your provider instructed

Cover the entire wound plus about 1 inch of surrounding skin

Secure with medical tape or wrap—not too tight, not too loose

Make sure dressing is smooth without wrinkles that could cause pressure

Ensure dressing is secure but circulation is not cut off

Clean Up and Document

Dispose of all used materials in sealed plastic bag

Remove gloves carefully and dispose properly

Wash your hands thoroughly again

Write down the date, time, and any observations about the wound

Note any changes in size, color, drainage, or odor

What to Watch For: Healing vs. Warning Signs

Normal Healing Signs

Wound gradually getting smaller
Pink or red healthy tissue forming
Decreasing drainage over time
Clear or slightly yellow drainage
Less pain or discomfort
Edges pulling together
No strong odor

Call Your Provider If You See:

Increasing redness around wound
Swelling or warmth spreading
Pus or cloudy, thick drainage
Foul or worsening odor
Wound getting larger or deeper
New areas of dark or black tissue
Increasing pain despite medication
Fever or chills
Red streaks extending from wound

Don't wait—call immediately:

877-545-1300

Important Do's and Don'ts

DO:

Follow Your Provider's Instructions

Their specific directions for your wound take priority over general guidelines

Keep Wound Clean and Dry

Between dressing changes, protect from water and contamination

Change Dressings on Schedule

Follow the frequency your provider instructed—don't skip

Wash Hands Before and After

This prevents infection and protects you and the patient

Keep a Wound Care Log

Track date, time, appearance, and any concerns

Ask Questions

If you're unsure about anything, contact your provider

Eat a Healthy Diet

Good nutrition supports healing—protein, vitamins, and hydration

DON'T:

Touch Wound with Bare Hands

Always wear clean gloves when handling the wound

Use Products Not Prescribed

No home remedies, creams, or products without provider approval

Reuse Dressings or Supplies

Everything should be single-use and properly disposed of

Let Wound Get Wet

Protect during bathing—ask provider about waterproof covers

Skip Appointments

Regular professional assessment is crucial for healing

Smoke

Smoking dramatically slows wound healing

Ignore Warning Signs

Call immediately if you notice infection signs

Wound Care at Home