Wounds heal best when they are kept clean, moist, and covered, which helps prevent infection. An infection can slow or even stop the healing process and may lead to serious complications.

The following steps will help you care for your wound each day and greatly lower the risk of infection.

Tips:

• Keep it clean: Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching your wound or wound dressings. Gently clean the wound itself with mild soap and water or saline – avoid harsh cleaners like peroxide or alcohol that can damage healthy tissue . Clean the skin around the wound as well.
  
  
• Keep it moist and covered: After cleaning, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or the gel your provider recommends, then cover the wound with a clean, dry bandage . Change the dressing as instructed (typically once a day) or anytime it gets wet or dirty. Don’t leave the wound open to air, since covered wounds heal faster and are protected from germs .
  
  
• Watch for signs of infection: Check your wound and the surrounding skin daily. Call your provider immediately if you notice increasing redness or warmth, swelling, bad odor, pus-like drainage, red streaks moving outward from the wound, or if you develop a fever . These could be signs of infection that need prompt treatment.
  
  
• Take care of your whole body: You can help prevent infections by keeping yourself healthy. Eat plenty of protein and vitamins to support your immune system , stay hydrated , and if you smoke, seek help to quit (smoking reduces the oxygen and blood flow your wound needs to heal) .