How to Care for Your Wound at Home: Do’s and Don’ts

Caring for a chronic wound at home can feel overwhelming, especially if it has been hanging around longer than you would like. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference in how well and how quickly your wound heals. Below are some helpful do’s and don’ts I share with my own patients.

5 Do’s for Wound Care at Home

1. Do keep your wound clean and covered. Think of the dressing like a shield. It protects your wound from germs, dirt, and trauma. A fresh, clean bandage helps your body do the hard work of healing underneath.

2. Do follow your provider’s dressing instructions. Different wounds need different dressings. Venous ulcers often do best with compression wraps, diabetic foot ulcers may need special padding or offloading shoes, and surgical wounds might need a dry protective covering. Stick with the plan you were given because it is tailored to your wound type.

3. Do check your skin around the wound. Redness, swelling, or new pain around the edges can be an early warning sign of infection. Catching these changes early can prevent bigger problems later.

4. Do keep moving safely. Circulation is key to healing. Even light activity like walking around the house or simple ankle pumps can help bring oxygen-rich blood to your wound. Just avoid anything that puts direct pressure on the wound itself.

5. Do pay attention to your overall health. Wound healing is not just about the skin. Staying hydrated, eating protein-rich meals, controlling blood sugar if you are diabetic, and keeping chronic conditions in check all give your wound a much better chance of closing up.

5 Don’ts for Wound Care at Home

1. Don’t soak your wound in water. Baths, pools, and hot tubs are breeding grounds for bacteria. Showers are usually fine, but pat dry gently afterward and reapply a clean dressing.

2. Don’t peel off your scabs or pick at the wound. It is tempting, but disrupting the healing layers sets you back and increases infection risk. Let your body handle the scab since it is nature’s bandage.

3. Don’t reuse old dressings. Once a dressing has been removed, throw it away. Reusing it can introduce bacteria and delay healing. Fresh and clean is always the way to go.

4. Don’t ignore drainage. A little clear fluid can be normal, but foul-smelling, thick, or bloody drainage is a red flag. Call your provider if you see this.

5. Don’t experiment with home remedies.

Vinegar, peroxide, toothpaste. I have seen it all. These can damage healthy tissue and slow healing. Stick with what your provider recommends, not what a neighbor swears by.

Caring for a chronic wound takes patience, consistency, and a little know-how. By focusing on good habits and avoiding the pitfalls, you give your body the best chance to do its job.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your healthcare provider and reach out to them with any concerns about your wound.

Written by Dr. Adam Finck, DNP, APRN, FNP-C