Wound Care at Home. 8 Nurse’s Guide to Safe and Effective Healing

BY: Chrisitina Roddy, RN – Clinical Director

Proper wound care at home is essential to support healing, prevent infection, and reduce complications, especially after surgery, injury, or chronic illness. As leaders in home care, we’ve worked with many clients and families to help them feel confident managing wound care in their own home.

Whether you’re healing yourself or supporting a loved one, here are 8 essential nurse-approved tips for how to care for a wound at home safely and effectively.

1. Be Proactive with Wound Monitoring

One of the most important parts of wound care at home is staying ahead of problems before they start. Wounds that are left unchecked can worsen or even lead to additional wounds or infections. I always recommend doing daily visual checks of the wound and the surrounding skin. Catching a small concern early can prevent a bigger issue down the road.

2. Clean the Wound and Surrounding Skin Thoroughly

When people think about how to clean a wound, they often forget the importance of cleaning the skin around it. Gently remove dried drainage, dead skin, and any residue during every dressing change. This helps reduce the risk of bacterial growth and keeps the site clean for optimal healing. Always use the solution recommended by your nurse or physician, often sterile saline or mild soap and water.

3. Watch for Drainage, It Tells a Story

Drainage isn’t always a bad thing, but it’s important to monitor. Is it clear? Yellow? Thick? Smelly? Increasing? These changes may be signs of delayed healing or infection. Part of proper wound care at home means knowing when drainage is part of healing and when it’s a sign to call your provider.

4. Wash Your Hands Before and After

It may sound simple, but hand hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent infection during wound care. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching any supplies or the wound area, and again afterward. Use clean gloves when possible.

5. Stick to the Dressing Schedule

Your home health nurse or provider will usually give you a wound dressing change schedule. It’s crucial to follow it, even if the wound appears to be getting better. Skipping changes or waiting too long can slow healing or lead to infection. Use clean, sterile materials and handle them with care.

6. Know the Signs of Wound Infection

Not sure if a wound is infected? Look for these common warning signs:

• Redness or warmth around the wound
• Increased swelling or pain
• Thick, discolored, or foul-smelling drainage
• Fever or chills

If you notice any of these signs, contact your home health nurse or doctor immediately. Prompt treatment is key.

7. Follow All Medication Instructions

Antibiotics, topical creams, and pain relievers are often part of wound care at home. Don’t skip doses or stop early unless instructed by your provider. These medications are meant to keep infection at bay and help your body heal faster and more comfortably.

8. Ask for Help, You’re Not Alone

Wound care can be intimidating, but you don’t have to do it on your own. At BrightStar Care of Central Denver, our licensed nurses are trained in advanced wound care techniques. We provide in-home wound care services including dressing changes, infection prevention, medication management, and progress monitoring.

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic wound, or supporting a loved one, we’re here to help with safe, skilled wound care right at home.