How to care for a healing wound

The healthcare professionals at The Hospital for Sick Children provide tips on caring for a healing wound. Treatment will vary depending on how the wound is being held together.

For more information on wound care, visit - aboutkidshealth.ca/woundcare

Subscribe to the AboutKidsHealth YouTube channel: ow.ly/CzrN50ClHN3

This video is provided for general information only. It does not replace a diagnosis or medical advice from a healthcare professional who has examined your child and understands their unique needs. Please speak with your doctor to check if the content is suitable for your situation.

Cette vidéo sert à donner des renseignements généraux seulement. Elle ne remplace pas le diagnostic ou les conseils médicaux d'un professionnel de la santé qui a examiné votre enfant et comprend ses besoins uniques. Veuillez consulter votre médecin pour vérifier si le contenu convient à votre situation.

Follow us:
Facebook: facebook.com/AboutKidsHealth
Twitter: twitter.com/AboutKidsHealth
Pinterest: pinterest.com/AboutKidsHealth

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

How to care for a healing wound

How you care for a healing wound depends on how it's being held together with regular or dissolving stitches, staples, glue, or adhesive strips.

If your child has stitches or staples, keep their wound covered, clean and dry.

Your doctor will tell you how often to change the bandage. When it's time, gather all the supplies you need. Gently take off the old bandage. Squeeze antibiotic cream onto a clean cotton ball and apply it to the wound. Cover the wound with a fresh bandage.

Once the wound has formed a scab, wash it gently with mild soap and water once or twice a day. Don't rub or soak it.

At this stage, it's a good idea to keep a bandage on it during the day, but leave it open to the air when your child is resting.

If your child's wound was treated with adhesive strips, trim off the edges of the strips as they separate from the skin over time. If the strips are still in place after seven days, remove them at home by soaking the areas in water.

If your child's wound was treated with glue, make sure she doesn't pick at it and don't apply creams or ointments until the glue falls off, after five to fourteen days.

As your child's wound heals, the edges will become slightly pink. This is normal. Take your child to the doctor or the Emergency Department if her wound is painful, red or swollen; if there's yellow or green fluid coming from it; if it opens up or bleeds; or if your child develops a fever within 72 hours after getting the wound fixed.

• When changing a bandage, remove the old one, apply antibiotic cream and put on a fresh bandage.
• Once the wound has scabbed, wash it gently with mild soap and water once or twice a day and leave the wound open to the air when your child is resting.

To learn more, visit www.aboutkidshealth.ca
#woundcare
#treatingawound
#firstaid