Because healing wounds relies on many factors, you play a vital role in the success of your healing. Your wound care nurse will work with you to create a personalized plan for healing your wound and will teach you or a family member how and when to change the dressing.
Nutrition Tips to Support Wound Healing
Good nutrition is very important for wound healing. You should:
- Supplement your nutrition (protein powder or Ensure) especially if you don’t have an appetite
- Take a multivitamin daily; zinc and vitamin C are especially important to wound healing
- Drink lots of fluids, such as water, fruit juices, milk
- Eat protein-rich foods, such as eggs, dairy, fish, meat (beef, pork, chicken), beans, nuts, tofu
- Eat more vegetables and fruits (especially leafy greens and citrus fruits) and whole grains
- Quit smoking or cut back
- Control your blood sugar, if you have diabetes
Activities to Support Wound Healing
- Reduce any pressure on the wound. Consider a pressure-relieving mattress or pad to sit on.
- Avoid friction to the wound, especially rubbing when you turn in bed or reposition in a chair
- Wear specially prescribed shoes or boots
- Elevate your legs to prevent swelling
- Wear compression stockings as prescribed
- Protect your wound care supplies and follow any special storage instructions
When to Call Your Doctor
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- Fever over 100.5 degrees
- Chills
- Rapid heartbeat
- Uncontrollable pain
- General weakness
- Difficulty thinking clearly or confusion
- Increased redness, drainage, warmth, pain or swelling around the wound