Changing a dressing on a wound

[Coffeeandcake12]

Ds had quite a deep cut took him to injury unit, no stitches needed. They gave it a good clean and put an iodine dressing on, then some gauze and a bandage over it. I have spares to change the dressing, the nurse said when he gets a shower change the dressing. I stupidly didn't ask but does anyone know how long that should be? 2 days, 3 days or should I leave longer to heal or change quicker so its clean?

If its been cleaned today, then i would try and wait a few days for the wound to heal. Plus cleaning it too often provides more chances for introducing infection. It sounds like it's got a good dressing on, so if i were you I'd be tempted to leave it a few days and then redress then.

When you're redressing it just look out for any signs of infection, or if you're child complains of any of them before then seek more assistance.

I've been told by hcps it's not helpful, to change the dressing too often, as it disrupts the healing process. I had a wound on my leg last year (no stitches as my skin is too fragile, I'm old 😁).

I was told to.change the dressing twice a week, and not to get it wet in the shower. I used an awful lot of cling film!

But young skin may be different I my old and decrepit though, so I'd suggest you ask the nurse at your surgery.

@Wanderinghome and @user1471453601 thanks for your replies. I think I'll wait a few days, disrupting the healing process does sound like a possibility if I change it too soon, the nurse gave me one set of dressings so I imagine that's to last for the week so that makes sense. Thanks for the reassurance!

Wounds like to be warm and wet and not interfered with. Changing it/using antiseptics / exposing it to air all alter the PH/cool it down and prolong healing time. Cleaning with gauze or cotton wool introduces fibres into the wound that cause issues.

Leave it alone unless the dressing is soiled (if you can see blood/fluid on the outside of it) or if it's coming off (usually 2/3days)

When you change it - you can use warm or tepid tap water poured over it or just have a shower/bath. Then pat dry around the edges of it before putting the new dressing on and taping or bandage (bandage is kinder but don't make it too tight - you should be able to get two fingers under it)

Taking a photo of it is always a good idea when you change it - helps record healing or any issues early on and easy to send to HCPs as needed.

Thank you @willingtolearn that's a good idea to take a photo, I'll definitely do that.