Prevention Tips

Keep the Wound Clean and Dry– Gently clean the wound and pat it dry using sterile materials. Avoid soaking the area unless instructed.

Apply an Appropriate Dressing– Use sterile, breathable wound dressings and replace them regularly. This keeps contaminants out and lets you monitor for warning signs.

Avoid Touching the Wound With Unwashed Hands– Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after tending to the wound.

Look for Signs of Infection– Watch for redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge. Catching infection early improves your chances of avoiding complications.

Use Prescribed Antibiotics If Necessary– Follow all medication instructions closely if antibiotics are part of your care plan.

Eat a Balanced Diet– Support your immune system with protein, vitamins A and C, and zinc to fuel tissue repair and reduce infection risk.

Avoid Tight Clothing Over Wounds– Wear loose, breathable clothing to prevent irritation and allow airflow to the healing area.

Redness and Swelling– Increased inflammation around the wound may signal a localized infection.

Pain and Tenderness– New or worsening discomfort around the wound can be an early warning sign.

Fever– A fever, especially alongside wound changes, may indicate systemic infection and should be addressed promptly.

Pus or Drainage– Cloudy, yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge typically suggests infection.

Delayed Healing– If your wound hasn’t shown improvement after a few weeks, infection may be interfering with recovery.