Your Care Instructions

People have wounds that need care for many reasons. You may have a cut that needs care after surgery. You may have a cut or puncture wound from a fall or from working in your house or garden. Or you may have a wound because of a condition like diabetes.

Whatever the cause of your wound, there are things you can do to care for it at home.

Your doctor may also want you to come back for a wound check. The wound check lets the doctor know how your wound is healing and if you need more treatment.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
• Keep the wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this, you can shower if your doctor okays it. Pat the wound dry.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If you have stitches, do not remove them on your own. Your doctor will tell you when to come back to have them removed.
• If you have Steri-Strips, leave them on until they fall off.
• If possible, prop up the injured area on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.