Wound Care Question - Dressing wound in an awkward area

[Heidi Tiger]

Tonight I cut in the crook of my elbow, where they take blood from. The wound was quite deep and gaping but I've managed to close it with some micropore and the bleeding is slowing. My question is, how would you use gauze bandage and micropore to dress that area, I've managed to wrap it round, but because it's on a joint it pulls and moved all the time, which I think will agravate the wound, am I better leaving it uncovered?Or if not, any tips for bandaging awkward areas.
Many thanks
Heidi
xxx

[gorybalamory]

i think your best idea is to get it checked out as it could need stitching, dont know how deep it is tho!! if you have a sling and a crepe bandage and a dressing then : stick the dressing on with micropore the wrap the crepe bandage around your elbow making sure you cover a hands width either side or the injury. ( dont do it too tight so you hand goes numb and blue!! but tight enuf to put sufficient pressure on the wound) also try and bandage you elbow so you can bend it 90 degrees. then put you arm in a sling to stop you using it so the blood can clot. i hope this works. if your worried go and see a doctor or if you feel you need it A&E or 999.
let me know how you get on, hugs x

[Animad]

It would probably be worthwhile getting it checked just because of the area and the fact that by the sounds of it it has bled for a while. Being on a joint it will be harder for them to close because of there movement so depending on the depth/gape, it may need stitching, though often you can't get it done after 8-12hrs after you've done it but some stitch up to 24hr and beyond if they feel it is necessary.

The best way is to put a gauze pad on the area which is covered in anti bacterial cream and maybe tape it either side of the joint. The easiest way to keep it in place is to put a tubigrip bandage over your elbow. This will slightly reduce the movement of it and also keep the dressing in place. Take the tubigrip off at night though because it can reduce circulation to your forearm/ hand if not. Try to reduce the movement in your arm to help it to close and not re-open.

It's better leaving it covered to prevent infection especially if it is quite deep.

[Heidi Tiger]

Thanks guys.
In the end I managed to find an old tubi-grip and just pust that over it. However in the night the steri-strips have pulled apart and the wound bled again. It's over 12 hours since I did it now so stitching isn't an option. For now I've just dressed it again, but coincidentally I do have a doctors appointment later so shall ask him to take a look for me.

[l'il esky]

also if you cut darts (like little triangles out of the tape, so can hold dressing on with lots of bunching of tape) that usually works quite well, that how we dress heel wounds at work. also in asda they do nemo elbow and knee plasters which are specifically shaped and designed for those areas.

but get it checked if deep, signs of infection etc xx