• Reference Number: HEY1007/2018
• Departments: Emergency Department
• Last Updated: 31 August 2018

Introduction

This advice sheet has been produced to give you information about wound closure.  It is not meant to replace discussion between you and your doctor.  If after reading it, you require further explanation please discuss this with the relevant person who has been caring for you.

General Information for all wounds

Keep the wound dry, wash around the wound where possible.  Do not cover the wound with waterproof finger stalls (leather or plastic finger coverings) or plastic bags unless advised, as this can make the wound soggy and increase the risk of infection.

Advice:

• The redness of the scar may take up to 6 months or more to fade
• Do not worry if your wound is itchy, slightly red close to the wound or has a slight discharge this is part of the healing process
• If you have a wound over a joint, restrict movement or heavy lifting for the first week, to allow healing to take place.
• If a dressing has been applied over the wound, leave it in place for 5 days
• If your wound shows signs of infection (heavy discharge, becomes painful, swollen, very red or the redness spreads) contact your GP
• If there is excessive bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean towel for 10 minutes.  If the bleeding continues return to the Emergency Department
• If your wound re-opens please come back to the Emergency Department or Dressing Clinic so that your injury can be re-assessed

Medical Glue (Tissue Adhesive)

This is glue designed to treat wounds.  Do not pick the glue, as this may cause the wound to re-open.  A scab will form on the wound, which will come away once you start washing the area, this can take 1 – 3 weeks.

Steri-strips

If your wound has been treated with steri-strips these can be removed after _______ days.  To remove the steri-strips moisten the wound for about 10 minutes and remove the strips carefully.

Stitches

You will need to make an appointment with your GP Surgery or Dressing Clinic to have your stitches removed on the date noted below.  Please take this advice sheet with you to the appointment.

Date of removal of stitches: ____________________

Number of stitches: _____________________

Pain relief medication

To manage your pain, we advise that you regularly take simple pain relief medication which can be bought over the counter. If you have allergies or conditions which prevent the use of pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication, please seek advice from your GP or a pharmacist

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this advice sheet, please do not hesitate to contact the Emergency Department.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you or your carer needs information about your health and well-being and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.