OverviewIf you have a deep wound, your doctor may show you how to pack it. This helps keep the wound clean. It also helps it heal more evenly, from the inside out. Show
You may be able to pack your wound yourself. Or you may need someone to help you reach it. It's important to wash your hands and keep the area clean when you pack the wound. Ask your doctor how often to change the packing and what supplies to use. How to get readyHow to get ready to pack your woundslide 1 of 4 slide 1 of 4, How to get ready to pack your wound, Before setting up the clean area for your dressing, you should remove your old dressing. Then:
How to prepare the packing materialslide 2 of 4 slide 2 of 4, How to prepare the packing material,
How to pack your woundslide 3 of 4 slide 3 of 4, How to pack your wound,
How to place the outer dressingslide 4 of 4 slide 4 of 4, How to place the outer dressing,
When should you call for help?Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter W150 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About Packing Your Wound". When can I stop packing a wound?If a gauze packing was put in your wound, it should be removed in 1 to 2 days, or as directed. Check your wound every day for any signs that the infection is getting worse.
What happens if you stop packing a wound?The failure to remove packing on a regular basis, as and when needed, can be detrimental to the patient, because the packing obstructs the pus from leaving the cavity. This in turn, can lead to the patient suffering prolonged pain and delayed healing, and can cause wound tenderness, fever and infection.
Can a wound be over packed?The images demonstrate how over-packing of a wound to the point of causing a plug can result in a major reversal of the wound healing process. Indeed, packing can progressively enlarge shallow wounds if it is done in an inappropriately aggressive way.
Does wound packing delay healing?Packing left in the wound can lead to infection and impaired wound healing.
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