Wound care
The best form of wound care is prevention. Managing a wound and ensuring it does not become infected is important.
The aim is to reduce the risk of bacterial infection in the wound and recognise the signs and symptoms of an infection. If a wound becomes infected the risk of serious complications such as sepsis, amputation and gangrene is increased.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, please seek medical attention.
- Increased or new pain
- Heat
- Swelling
- Unpleasant smell
- Feeling unwell
- Redness
- Puss or fluid
To reduce the chances of developing a bacterial infection, you must follow the below steps.
- Keep the wound covered with a sterile dressing.
- Keep your dressing dry and clean.
- If the dressing gets wet, remove, and replace it immediately.
- Always attend appointments to get the wound treated and monitored.
- Do not walk barefoot and wear suitable footwear or any offloading devices you have been given.
Podiatrists use a variety of dressings and materials to care for wounds and this choice will depend on the type and nature of the wound being treated. The podiatrist will explain your dressing, how it works and what, if anything, you need to do. Dressings will usually need to be changed regularly and your wound reviewed. The podiatrist looking after you will advise you about this. You may need frequent appointments with the podiatry service until your wound is healed.
If you have any problems or concerns, require further information, or wish to discuss your wound care you can contact the podiatry service.
In urgent cases, such as suspected infection, you can also contact your doctor’s surgery. You may not need to see a doctor as your practice nurse may be able to review your wound and either prescribe or obtain antibiotics for you should you need them. If you see someone else about your foot wound please remember to contact the podiatry service to let them know you have had a problem so we can arrange to see you again promptly.