Changing Your Dressings

When to change your dressings

• First time will be 24 hours after your procedure

• At least once a day

• After bathing* 

• Whenever they get wet or dirty

• Until your wound has healed

*Ask your clinician if it is OK to get the area under the dressings wet when you shower.  

• If so, make sure the skin is clean and dry before you put on new dressings.

• If not, cover the dressings to make sure they stay dry while you shower. Your clinician can offer suggestions for how to do this.

How to change your dressings

If possible, have someone assist you with the dressing change.

1. Gather the supplies and place them on a clean paper towel or washable cloth. 

2. Wash your hands with soap and water.

3. Carefully remove the old dressings and throw them away.

4. Look at your skin for signs of redness, swelling or a rash.  

   Tell your clinician if you do have any of these signs.  They can mean you have an infection or reaction to the dressings or tape.

   If your skin is dirty, gently clean it with mild soap and water. Pat it dry.

5. Replace the gauze. 

6. Secure the gauze with plastic film or tape. 

   Take care to keep the dressing clean and dry.

   If you have a tube, secure it so that it does not get pulled out accidentally.