Good wound care after surgery isn't complicated, but skipping steps or using the wrong supplies can slow healing or increase infection risk. Here's a practical rundown of what a post-surgical wound care routine typically involves.
Keep the area clean
Gentle cleansing is usually all that's needed — avoid harsh scrubbing. Alcohol wipes and swabs are commonly used to disinfect the skin around (not directly on) an open wound, and for prepping the area before dressing changes.
Choose the right dressing for the wound
- Paraffin gauze dressings — non-adherent, so they don't stick to healing tissue and cause damage when changed. Good for surgical wounds and minor burns.
- Hydrocolloid dressings (like Duoderm-type products) — create a moist healing environment and are often used for wounds that need to stay covered for several days at a time.
- Adhesive plasters and strips — for smaller wounds or securing gauze in place.
Change dressings on schedule
Follow your surgeon's specific instructions — dressing change frequency varies by wound type and healing stage. Changing too often can disturb healing tissue; not changing often enough risks infection from a saturated or dirty dressing.
Watch for signs of infection
Contact your doctor if you notice:
- Increasing redness or swelling around the wound
- Warmth, pain that's getting worse instead of better
- Pus or unusual discharge
- Fever
Keep supplies on hand
Running out of dressings mid-recovery is a common, avoidable stress. Stocking antiseptic wipes, gauze dressings, and adhesive plasters in advance means you're not scrambling during recovery.
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Browse antiseptic wipes, paraffin gauze dressings, and wound care supplies in our Pharmaceuticals collection.