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Old 10-08-2010, 08:35 PM   #14
Animad
 
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: UK

It depends on how it gets looked after and really that is looking over the long time and presuming it doesn't get infected. Really, as it isn't infected at the moment I urge you to buy Hydrocolloid dressings (though keep it covered in the meantime with any sterile, non-stick dressing). These REALLY make a huge difference and can massively improve would healing. They are more expensive than normal dressings though they can remain in place for up to 7days (and have no benefit if changed any more often than every 3days). They are also waterproof and stick really well. However, as I haven't seen the wound it would be a good idea to talk to a pharmacist. It may be that it is a bit big for one of these, in which case using normal non-stick dressings or a dressing known as Allevyn and putting hydrogel (Intrasite being one tradename. Savlon Advanced Healing Gel I think it is called is another) on the wound may also be an option. It also depends obviously what size dressings the pharmacist has behind the counter as they only have a small proportion of the more specialised dressings they sell out on the shelves.

Hydrocolloid dressings from where I am would be your best bet. Other than that then Hydrogels or Alginate dressings may be other good ideas (though alginate dressings probably are only available in the same size dressings as hydrocolloid ones and may not help as much whereas Hydrogels you can use with most dressings; they're probably best with Allevyn which you can get a waterproof adhesive version of and they come in quite large sizes.) I would stray away from using antiseptics really. Make sure you keep it clean.

Also, if you're using any of these types of dressings/ gels and it starts to show signs of infection (becoming more painful/ the surrounding area getting red or swollen) then you need to remove the dressing as they are great for skin cells and to gro in and for granulation tissue to allow really good secondary intention BUT they also give a really good environment for bacteria too.

Hope that helps

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