HEALTH MATTERS
less scarring than a dry, scabbed one. If it's not healing, call your healthcare provider.
Effective home care of a wound requires more than just proper cleaning. Knowing how to apply the right dressing, when a wound needs stitches and how to spot the early signs of infection are critical skills that can prevent minor injuries from becoming major problems. Some wounds should not be handled at home. Learn when you should call a doctor or go to your nearest emergency room or immediate care center.
If you've had a recent operation, you are likely to have a surgical incision. These also require careful attention to reduce the risk of infection, speed the healing process and enhance your recovery.
The American College of Surgeons has a free Wound Management Home Skills resource that provides comprehensive information and videos to manage everything from simple scrapes to post-surgical incisions. They detail how to stop bleeding, pack a wound, care for stitches and recognize when it's time to call your doctor.
True preparedness is more than having a first-aid kit in your closet; it's about having the correct knowledge to use it. By retiring outdated practices and embracing proven, gentle care, we can all ensure that your wounds heal quickly, safely and properly.
Kyla P. Terhune, MD, MBA, FACS, is Senior Vice President for Education at the American College of Surgeons and an acute care surgeon.
" The American College of Surgeons has a free Wound Management Home Skills resource that provides comprehensive information and
videos to manage everything from
simple scrapes
to post-surgical incisions. "