Wound care: Information for patients
Wound care is essential to promote healing, prevent infection, and reduce scarring. Whether you have a surgical wound, pressure ulcer, leg ulcer, or another type of wound, this guide will help you understand how to care for it safely and effectively.
What is a wound?
A wound is an injury that breaks the skin or underlying tissue. Wounds may result from surgery, accidents, pressure, poor circulation, or long-term health conditions such as diabetes.
Types of wounds include:
- Surgical wounds
- Pressure ulcers (bedsores)
- Leg ulcers (venous or arterial)
- Trauma wounds (cuts, grazes, or burns)
- Diabetic foot ulcers
How are wounds cared for?
Your wound may be treated and dressed by a nurse, and you may be taught to care for it at home. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team.
Do
- Keep the wound clean and dry
- Wash your hands before and after touching the wound or dressing
- Check the dressing regularly for leaks or odours
- Elevate the area if advised (for example, legs) to reduce swelling
- Eat a healthy diet and keep hydrated to support healing
Avoid
- Removing or changing dressings unless advised
- Applying creams, powders or antiseptics not recommended by your nurse
- Scratching or rubbing the area
- Letting pets or dirty surfaces come into contact with the wound
Dressings and bandages
Dressings protect the wound, absorb fluid, and help it heal. Your nurse will choose the most suitable type depending on the wound’s size, depth, and condition. You may also need:
- compression bandaging for leg ulcers
- antimicrobial dressings to prevent or treat infection
- specialist products for deeper or chronic wounds
When to seek medical advice
Contact your GP, nurse, or healthcare provider if you notice:
- increasing pain, redness, swelling, increased lethargy, confusion, reduced urine output or heat around the wound
- pus or foul-smelling discharge
- the wound is not healing or getting worse
- you feel unwell or develop a fever
Please contact 999 if your wound has bleeding that doesn’t stop.
Support and follow-up
Please contact your nurse or GP if you have any questions about your wound care. We’re here to support you and help you feel confident managing your care at home. Looking after your wound properly helps it heal faster and reduces the risk of infection. We’re here to support you throughout your recovery.
