Wound Care Instruction
Principles:
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Rest, avoid activities that increase wound tension, for example
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Avoid running/long walk for leg wounds
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Avoid playing golf/tennis/bike riding for shoulder or arm wounds
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Avoid heavy lifting for lower back/abdominal wounds
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Optimal wound healing:
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Wounds heal well with covered dressings and adequate level of moist
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Avoid leaving wound to air-dry without dressing
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Avoid soaked wound dressing by blood, bodily fluid, water
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Encourage to leave the dressing untouched for at least 4 days, unless having bleeding, infection
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Appropriate suture removal and after care with tapes applied across the wound.
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Avoid using betadine or similar antiseptic solutions on wounds as these slow down healing.
Day 1- 6 after surgery
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Rest
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Avoid activities that increase wound tension
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Minimal pain
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No bleed nor excessive bodily fluid which cause existing dressings to be soaked
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Initial dressings is splash proof, that means it protects against splashes of water during a quick shower, but not a regular bath
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If the original dressing got water logged, wound can be gently washed, dried and new dressings can be applied.
Day 7 onward
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Suture removal with doctor on day 7
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Taping across the wound when doing any physical activities for two months
Troubleshooting
Bleeding:
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Elevate the wound above the heart level
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Apply firm, constant pressure for 10-15 minutes until bleeding stops
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Seek medical attention of bleeding continues
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Infection:
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Signs of infections are: Redness surrounding the wound, pus, sweating at night, pain out of proportion
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For medical review
