A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Topic IndexLibrary Index
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.
Incision Care: Abdomen
Dressing your incision helps keep it clean, dry, and infection-free. That way, it will heal faster. Follow the steps below, whether dressing the incision yourself or with the help of a family member or other caregiver.
Step 1. Wash your hands and set up
-
Use liquid soap. Lather and scrub vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Scrub between your fingers and under your nails.
-
Rinse with clean, running water, keeping fingers pointing down. Use a clean paper towel to dry your hands and turn off the faucet.
-
It's also acceptable to clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
-
Put all your supplies on a clean cloth or paper towel. Open a plastic trash bag.
-
Peel back the edges of the dressing packages. Pour any irrigation solutions into solution cups.
-
Clean the scissors with soap and water. Cut each piece of tape 4 inches longer than the dressing.
Step 2. Remove the old dressing
-
Put on new disposable medical gloves.
-
Loosen the tape by pulling gently toward the incision. Remove the dressing one layer at a time. Put it right into the plastic bag.
-
Remove your gloves and put them in the plastic bag. Wash your hands again, as described above. Then put on new gloves.
Step 3. Clean and dress the incision
-
Clean the incision and apply a new dressing as directed.
-
Put all used supplies in the plastic bag.
-
Remove your gloves last and put them in the bag.
-
Seal the bag and put it in the trash.
-
Be sure to wash your hands again.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider if any of these happen:
-
Your incision suddenly opens
-
You have bleeding from the incision, or an increase in its size
-
Increased redness, swelling, or drainage
-
Pain in or around the incision
-
Change in the color of the incision
-
Fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C ) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
-
Chills
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jonas DeMuro MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer:
Tara Novick BSN MSN
Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2022
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.