Care of wounds

« Non-plastic » wound dressings

• Examples of brands of non-plastic wound bandages:  Curapor®, Cosmpor®
• You cannot shower with a « non-plastic » wound bandage.
• There are fewer allergic skin reactions than with plastic wound dressings.

• Examples of plastic wound dressings Tegaderm pad ® Opsite ®…
• Bandages can be used for showering, but not for bathing.
• Plastic wound dressings do not allow a good ventilation of the wound or the skin and can lead to irritation, redness, red spots and blisters.
• In case of irritation, a non-plastic wound dressing should be applied.

• No dressing should be applied if the wound is closed with glue.

External suture with non-absorbable thread and external knots to the skin

• Sutures are removed after 10 – 14 days.

• In most cases, the wound edges are brought together with Steri-strip®. Steri-strips can remain during wound care. Steri-strips are removed after 10-14 days when the dressing is removed.

• Removal of staples after 10-14 days.

• Wound is closed after 10-14 days.

During the day:

• You can choose to cover your wound with non-plastic or plastic wound dressing.
• The wound dressing should only be changed if it comes off the skin, if water oozes under the dressing or if it is dirty.
• If the skin shows a reaction to the plastic dressing (itching, redness or redness at the edges of the dressing), you should change the dressing and apply a non-plastic dressing.

When showering:

• Do not rub the dressing while showering, but let the water run over it.
• If you apply a « non-plastic » wound dressing because of a skin reaction to plastic wound dressings, the dressing should be protected by a plastic film or temporary plastic film.
• If you use a plastic wound dressing you do not have to change your dressing before showering unless it comes off and is no longer waterproof. You should also apply a new dressing if it comes off while showering.
  

How do I change a « non-plasticized »dressing?

• Some patients have a skin reaction to a plasticized dressing and need to apply a non-plasticized ” paper ” dressing.
• To take a shower, they need to temporarily replace the dressing with a plasticized wound dressing or protect the dressing with a plastic film.

When should I change the bandage?

• Every 4-5 days at most.
• It is better to change it immediately, if the bandage is wet after a shower or if it is a bit dirty. This will prevent the skin and wound from soaking.
• If the wound secretes excessive dirt or blood, contact your GP (general practician) or surgeon.

Is it normal for a stain to appear on my dressing?

• Yes, this can happen.
• There are often some dried blood stains on the dressing after surgery.
• As long as the amount of fluid is limited, one should not be worried.
• Pay attention to the colour and smell of the fluid loss.

Should I replace the Steristrips?

• You should not touch the Steristrips unless authorized by the doctor.
• Should a Steristrips come off, it is not a problem, the wound is usually already closed without Steristrips.
• Steristrips protect and help closing the wound by bringing the edges together.

Is it normal that my wound secretes fluid?

• The wound may bleed after surgery.
• If the oozing is light in colour, not smelly or slightly bloody, and if it dries up over time, you do not need to show it to your doctor. If the wound continues to excrete abundant fluid, a visit to your GP (general practician) or surgeon is necessary.
• If the fluid is smelly and/or purulent in colour, it may be a sign of an infected wound. If you suspect an infected wound, a rapid consultation with your GP (general practician) or surgeon is necessary.

When should I show my wound at the consultation / outpatient?

• On discharge, the patient will have received a follow-up appointment with the surgeon, usually after 10-14 days, and the advice to see the GP (general practician) after 5-7 days.
• If the wound shows one or more of the following symptoms, he should urgently contact his doctor or surgeon:
  • Abundant fluid loss
  • Purulent fluid discharge
  • Redness
  • Swollen wound

What if I am allergic to the dressing?

• If you show a skin reaction (allergic) to the plastic/plasticized dressing, use a non-plasticized dressing.
• If the problems persist, itchy, redness and blisters, it is better to apply a simple compress /swab and fix it with strips of a micropor roll (adhesive dressing) or leave the wound exposed to open air.
• Treat the blisters with a solution to dry them out.

Can I expose my scars to the sun?

• During the first year, you should avoid direct exposure of the wound to UV radiation. Exposure can lead to inflammation and disfiguring and permanent pigmentation (reddish-brown) of the scar.

What healing creams/ointments are recommended?

• No ointment/cream has been shown to be more effective.
• No ointment/cream can guarantee a more aesthetic scar.
• Many ointments/creams are available without prescription from pharmacies and para-pharmacies:

Bioderma Crème peau Lésée® , La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5®, Avène Cicalfate Crème Réparatrice®…

Contact our social worker for :

• Meals at home
  
• Domestic help

If a stay in a rehabilitation centre is planned, contact our social worker before admission.

Social worker contact details:

+32 2 614 92 92

Find out if your medical home / nursing home does not have its own home nursing service.

BRUSSELS REGION