Proper wound care is essential to ensure healing and prevent complications. After your hand injury or surgery, your therapist will provide specific instructions about dressings, hygiene, and when to seek help. Here’s a simple guide to help you care for your wound at home.
Why Is It Important to Keep My Wound Clean and Dry?
Keeping your wound clean and dry is one of the most important things you can do to support healing.
Many of the dressings we use in hand therapy are specially designed to promote healing and protect the wound. These dressings often rely on staying dry to be effective. Getting
them wet can break down their structure or loosen their adhesive, which may delay healing or increase the risk of infection.
Moisture, whether from water or sweat, can also provide a pathway for bacteria to enter the wound. This increases the chance of infection, which can be painful and may require antibiotics or further treatment.
Why Aren’t Waterproof Dressings Commonly Used on the Hand?
It’s a great question! While waterproof dressings can be useful in some areas of the body, they’re not always the best option for the hands.
The skin on your hands is unique: it moves more, flexes frequently, and tends to sweat more than other areas. Waterproof dressings don’t allow the skin to breathe well, and that trapped moisture can make your wound more prone to breakdown or infection.
Your therapist will choose a dressing that suits the location and type of wound, as well as your activity level and daily needs.
What Should I Do If My Dressing Comes Off?
If your dressing falls off or becomes too wet or dirty, don’t try to reapply it yourself at home unless instructed to do so by your therapist.
Here’s what to do:
· Contact your hand therapist as soon as possible to arrange a redressing.
· If you can’t reach your therapist, visit your GP or a local medical center for assistance.
Avoid exposing the wound to the environment, and try to keep it covered with a clean, non-stick dressing until you can have it properly reviewed.
When Should I Be Concerned About My Wound?
Some discomfort is normal during healing, but there are signs that may indicate infection or delayed healing. Contact your therapist or seek medical attention if you notice:
· Increasing pain at the wound site, especially sharp or worsening pain at night
· Redness spreading beyond the wound’s edges
· Heat or warmth around the area
· Itching, especially if it worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms
· Bleeding through the dressing or new drainage
· A foul smell coming from the wound
These may be signs of infection and should be assessed sooner rather than later. If antibiotics are needed, early treatment can help prevent further complications.
If you’re unsure, you’re always welcome to send a photo to your hand therapist so we can guide you on what to do next.
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