Follow Up and Follow Through

Wondering how often you should change your bandage? Unless you’ve been told otherwise from your doctor, it’s good to change the dressing on a wound twice a day in the early stages of healing. This allows for more frequent inspection and keeps any fluids collecting around the wound to a minimum. If fluid is ever leaking out or the bandage itself is soiled, change it immediately.

To reduce the chance of contamination and infection, wash your hands with soap and water before removing an old bandage. Wash them again before inspecting or touching the wound. Add a thin layer of antibiotic ointment like NEOSPORIN® for another level of protection before putting on a new bandage.

The signs and symptoms of infection in a cut or wound can include increasing pain, swelling, and redness around the affected area. While you can treat a mild infection on a small wound at home by cleaning and redressing it, you should see a doctor if you develop a fever, feel unwell, or have discharge or red streaks coming from the wound.

Yes, a wound heals better when it’s kept moist under a bandage, but you don’t actually want to get it totally wet. So when you shower or swim, change your bandage to a hydrocolloid or waterproof bandage, like a BAND-AID® Brand WATER BLOCK® bandage, to keep it protected. You can change back to a normal dressing once you’re dry again.

Some people develop allergies to adhesive bandages, so keep an eye out for a reaction. Symptoms can include redness, itchiness, or rash. In most cases, the allergic reaction will go away soon after taking off the bandage. Keeping the area moisturized can help if you need to stay bandaged. You can also try a latex-free bandage, an anti-itch cream, taking an antihistamine, or using gauze and tape rather than an adhesive bandage.