FIRST 24 HOURS
The area treated (scrape or burn site) must remain covered and dry for 24 hours (please do not get it wet).
DO NOT GET THE AREA WET FOR 24 HOURS
CLEANING
Curette wounds need to be cleaned. This is most easily performed in the shower, washing the area with soap and water, starting 24 hours after the procedure.
SALT SOLUTION
If more frequent cleaning is required, a salt water solution can be made by adding a teaspoon of salt to a cooled cup of boiled water. With the salt water, clean off any old blood, crusts or debris and then pat dry.
APPLYING OINTMENT
Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the cleaned wound and a simple dressing strip.
ALTERNATIVLY
As an alternate approach, a Johnson and Johnson Advanced Healing Band-Aid may be used instead of the above approach. These can be left on for up to 2 – 3 days, but should be replaced if fluid builds up under the dressing.
QUERIES
If you have any concerns, please ring the Skin & Cancer Foundation on Monday through to Friday between the hours of 8am and 5pm on (02) 88 333 000. If it is the weekend, or you cannot return to the clinic and you think there is a problem with your wound, such as an infection, please do the following:
- Go to the GP.
- If started on antibiotics, ask to have a wound swab with a copy of the results sent to the Skin & Cancer Foundation.
- Please ring and inform us of your visit to the GP so we can document this in your file.
- Signs of Infection are redness, tenderness, hot to touch and pus.