It takes more than just time and appointments at Swedish Covenant Hospital's Wound Care Center to heal your wound. Your cooperation is vital to the best outcomes for your wound. Here are some things you can do at home to help:
Control Edema, Or Swelling
Do your legs tend to get swollen throughout the day? Swelling can cause increased pain and lead to skin breakdown. You may need to wear some sort of compression garment, like socks, sleeves, wraps and pumps, and change some habits in order to help reduce swelling.
Limiting the amount of salt or sodium in your diet will decrease the amount of water you retain. Keeping your legs elevated whenever possible will assist the fluid back to your heart. Taking your medications as prescribed is also important.
Control Infection
The spread of infection requires a germ, a place for the germ to live, someone to spread it to and a way to get there. Take these simple precautions if you have a wound or are caring for someone with an open wound:
Wash your hands before and after handling the wound.
Wear protective items, such as gloves, if indicated.
Use clean supplies.
Clean the treatment area thoroughly when you're done.
Good Nutrition
Your body needs protein to rebuild tissue and help you heal. Your doctor may ask you to add a protein supplement to your diet; ask your doctor or nurse for recommendations. Certain vitamins are important in wound healing, so your doctor may also ask you to take new vitamins daily to speed the healing process. If you are a diabetic, controlling your blood sugar will improve your healing.
Offload: Remove Pressure
A wound cannot heal if it is constantly being re-injured from outside forces such as too much external or internal pressure. Ask your doctor or nurse how to offload, or remove pressure from your wound. Supportive equipment like crutches or a wheelchair can help heal your wound.
Quit Smoking
Each cigarette decreases the oxygen circulating in your bloodstream and tissue. Your wound needs oxygen to heal. Ask your doctor or nurse for resources to help you quit.
Take Care Of Your Skin
It is important that your skin is not too dry, as dryness can lead to cracking and result in a wound. Ask your doctor or nurse for recommendations or moisturizers.
It is also important that your skin is not too moist, as that can lead to tissue breakdown and possibly even a larger or new wound. Ask your doctor or nurse for recommendations of protective barriers.
For more information or to make an appointment, call Swedish Covenant Hospital's Wound Care Center at 773-989-6202, or email us at woundcarecenter@SwedishCovenant.org.
