Care Tips for Surgical Wounds when at Home

Undergoing a surgical operation requires total care both in and out of the hospital. The patient and the primary caregiver should coordinate with the physicians in the proper care of these incision sites.

So, do you have a family member who has just been discharged after their surgery? If they are continuing their recovery at home, you need to give your total monitoring. This ensures that they follow the post-surgery instructions. If there are needed surgical supplies to treat the healing wounds, secure them from your nearest pharmacy.

But what are the essential steps to care for incision sites? We have tips and recommendations for you.

• Check for Infection
  • Always check the incision site for any sign of infection. The signs of infection include any of the following:
    • Redness surrounding the wound
    • The warm feeling of the wound
    • Pulsating pain felt by the patient at the wounded area
    • The appearance of pus or liquid discharge at the incision site
    • Fever
  • If you’re uncertain whether the wound has acquired an infection, refer your loved one to the doctor immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Follow Care Instructions
  • The patient’s doctor will provide care instructions upon discharge. Ensure that your loved one or their caregiver follows these instructions at every point. If there are items needed for wound care, secure these from a pharmacy that provides medical supplies in New Jersey.
• Ensure that Wounds are Clean
  • It is also important that incision sites are kept clean. You can use soft cloths or a gauze pad to wipe or dab the surrounding area of the wound. Just ensure that the cloths or gauze had already been soaked in soapy water.
• Take a Bath with Caution
  • In most cases, taking a bath is not allowed 24 hours after the surgery. The purpose is to give time for the exterior wound to dry up. Yet, this measure also depends on the kind of incision that the patients have. So, it is ideal to inquire from the doctor first. Know when the best day to take a bath.
• Move in Gradual Manner
  • The doctor will give you permission to move around at a certain day. Ensure that you meet this timing and not get too advanced. When you’re allowed to move around, make your movements slow with gradual increase of intensity as the days pass by.
• Warning for Bleeding Wounds
  • If the wound has bled, you can apply direct pressure on the wound. Yet, if it hasn’t stopped, consider the situation as an emergency case. Contact the doctor immediately.

Do you have other concerns about caring for surgery wounds upon recovery? If you need medications or pharmacy services in Lodi, New Jersey, you can always contact us at EssexCare Pharmacy. Let us help you provide better care for your loved one so they can recover completely and faster.

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