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Changing your dressing daily will keep the wound clean. If the dressing becomes dirty or wet, change the dressing as soon as possible. Keep your wound covered until it is completely healed. Wounds heal faster if they are kept moist and warm. Whenever you are changing the dressing, change it quickly to prevent drying, temperature loss, and exposure to bacteria. If you leave the wound exposed, this may cause its temperature to drop, slowing the healing process. Keep bandages in your pocket, purse, or backpack just in case you need to change the dressing while you are out of the house. Your wound may become very itchy once a scab starts to form. Try to avoid itching or picking at the scab since these may reopen the wound, slowing the healing process. Relieve itchiness by applying a non-scented, moisturizing lotion around the wound. You can also apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the wound to relieve itchiness. Contrary to popular belief, airing out your wound may slow the healing process. By leaving your wound uncovered, you are exposing it to dirt and bacteria that may infect the wound. Do not remove your bandages until a scab starts to form. Once the scab forms, you should keep the scab moist to help it heal faster. Signs that a wound is infected include an increase in drainage or pus, the formation of thick green or brown pus around the wound, and/or a foul odor coming from the wound. If you develop a fever that lasts for more than 4 hours, or develop tender lumps in your armpits or groin, then you may have an infection. Additionally, a wound that will not heal or shows no signs of healing over 1 to 2 weeks may be infected.
Change the dressing once a day. Change the dressing quickly. Avoid itching your wound. Avoid airing out the wound. Contact your doctor if the wound becomes infected.