Tips to prevent your wound from coming back
Once you receive the proper wound care to heal your chronic wound, it’s important to keep your wound closed and prevent new wounds from developing. Here are some tips to help stop a wound from coming back.
Pressure and Friction
Friction happens when you rub your skin on the sheets or skin on skin. Pressure relates to intense and/or prolonged force to a localized area of the body. Friction and pressure can cause the skin to tear, thus causing new wounds.
- Place a pillow or wedge between your legs or behind the back.
- Place a pillow or wedge under your ankles or under each arm for good positioning.
- Use a lifting sheet or lifting device to limit the rubbing against your skin.
Nutrition and Diet
A good diet helps to prevent a new wound from developing. Your body will need protein and vitamins to prevent complications.
- You need enough fluids, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
- gov is a good tool to use for nutrition and dieting, as it helps you find and build your healthy eating style that fits your way of life.
- Depending on your underlying conditions, your healthcare provider may put you on a special diet. Follow your doctor’s instructions to help prevent new wounds from occurring.
Movement and Positioning
It is important for those with immobility challenges to keep moving. Prolonged sitting or lying down can cause new wounds to form.
- Turn and reposition when in bed.
- Choose how often you turn based on any red areas on skin. Also, consider if you are using a special mattress or seat pad and your preferences.
- If you cannot reposition yourself, a caregiver should reposition you.
- If you can get out of bed, you should go from bed to chair.
- If you can walk, you should stand and walk often.
- When sitting in a chair, change your position every 15 minutes.
- Keep your heels off of the bed with pillows, wedges or special footwear.
- Only raise the head of the bed as little as possible.
- Do not sit up too high in the bed.
Skin Care
If you have had a chronic wound before, or are at risk for developing a non-healing wound, it is important to check your skin every day with special attention to bony areas.
- Wash skin with warm water and mild soap.
- Dry all skin folds and creases. Pay special attention to the area between, under and around the toes.
- Avoid cold temperatures.
- Moisturize skin after cleansing.
- Be sure to avoid applying lotions or creams between the toes. Only apply to the top and bottom of the foot.
If your wound reopens, or you develop a new wound, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Prevention and intervention are key.
