Your wound has been left to close and heal naturally, as your body knows how to heal itself. Your wound has damaged the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that bring oxygen and nutrients to growing cells. To help your body heal itself, the wound needs to be kept warm and moist to allow the cells and tiny blood vessels to regrow.

Healing time

Healing time depends on your general health and age. It could take weeks, or sometimes months, to heal.

Dressings

A dressing will be used to protect your wound from further damage and to keep it warm and moist. Modern dressings are specially designed to last longer. The dressing will only be changed when necessary to avoid damaging the repair work in your wound, as every time your dressing is changed it can take up to 90 minutes for the wound to warm up and start healing again.

Do not remove your dressing unless advised to do so, as this may slow healing.

Cleaning your wound

To help your wound heal, your therapist will only clean your wound if it is very dirty or messy.Unnecessary cleaning can remove the body's natural cleansers and healing factors, and can damage repairing cells. Growing cells are very delicate, and antiseptics (Savlon, Dettol and similar products) are strong and may damage healing wounds.

Infection

Look out for signs of infection:

• redness
• heat
• swelling
• discharge
• odour
• pain
• feeling generally unwell.

If any of these signs occur, contact your GP or the wound clinic service.

How can you help your wound?

Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of protein, fruit and vegetables.

If you can, keep active as this helps circulation. Let your therapist know if you are taking any medication, as some medicines can slow wound healing.

Removal of clips, stitches and Steri-Strips

Following removal, you should keep your wound dry for 24 hours. You may not need another dressing. Although your wound looks healed, it is still delicate. If the wound reopens, contact the wound clinic service or your GP.

Caring for your scar

Your scar may be sensitive, so avoid rubbing or scratching it. To help reduce scarring, you can use a non-perfumed moisturiser, such as Vitamin E cream, Evening Primrose Oil or E45 cream.

Always use a high-factor sun cream or sun block on your scar when in the sun, as it is at greater risk of sun damage. Sun damage can affect the scar and may make it painful.