Whether it is a surgical incision, a healing injury or a long-standing wound, how a wound is looked after at home can affect how quickly it heals and whether it becomes infected. This guide explains the principles families can follow and the changes that need a professional to look at the wound.
Healing happens in overlapping stages. In the first few days, it is normal for a wound to be slightly red, swollen and tender. Over the following days and weeks, new tissue forms, the wound edges draw together, and the area gradually strengthens. A healed scar may continue to change in appearance for months.
The speed of healing depends on the type and size of the wound and on the person's general health. Diabetes, poor circulation, smoking, poor nutrition, older age, some medicines such as steroids, and pressure on the wound all slow healing.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching a wound or changing a dressing. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection.
Most dressings are designed to stay in place for a set period. Changing a dressing more often than advised can disturb healing and introduce infection. If a dressing becomes wet, soiled, loose or soaked with fluid, it may need to be replaced sooner — follow the instructions you were given or contact the nurse.
Advice on when a wound can get wet varies with the type of wound and dressing. Some surgical wounds can be showered after a day or two; others need to stay dry for longer. Ask the surgeon or nurse. Avoid soaking a healing wound in a bath or swimming until you have been told it is safe.
Avoid tight clothing, rubbing or pressure on the wound. For wounds on the legs or feet, elevating the limb when sitting may help to reduce swelling, if advised.
Good nutrition provides the building blocks for new tissue. A balanced diet with adequate protein, together with enough fluids, helps healing. People with diabetes should aim for good blood sugar control, as high sugar levels slow healing and increase infection risk — our guide on checking blood sugar at home may help.
For people who are bed-bound, relieving pressure on the wound and surrounding skin is essential. See preventing pressure sores.
Contact a doctor or nurse promptly if you notice:
In people with diabetes, even a small wound on the foot can become serious because reduced sensation and circulation may hide early problems. Any foot wound in a person with diabetes should be assessed by a doctor, and the feet should be checked daily.
Dirty or contaminated wounds, puncture wounds, wounds containing soil or foreign material, animal bites, and wounds with devitalised tissue may need medical assessment. Tetanus prevention depends on the type of wound and the person's vaccination history. Animal bites also require assessment for rabies risk in Sri Lanka.
Wounds that have been present for weeks, such as leg ulcers or pressure sores, need a structured plan from a doctor or nurse. Sineth Hospitals' home wound dressing page describes nursing support for dressings at home.
Seek emergency care if there is:
In Sri Lanka, call 1990 Suwa Seriya for an emergency ambulance, or seek immediate care at an appropriate hospital.
Published by: Sineth Hospitals
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Seneth Gajasinghe, MBBS (Colombo), MD (Colombo), Medical Director, Sineth Hospitals
Last reviewed:
Follow the specific wound instructions you were given by your surgeon, doctor or nurse. They take priority over general guidance.
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