Wound Care

Wound care is the follow-up an injury needs to close without getting infected: cleaning, checking and changing the dressing. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Hammerly in Spring Branch, Houston, we look after surgical wounds, large scrapes, minor burns and sores that are slow to heal, with no appointment needed.

Which wounds are worth bringing in?

A small, clean wound usually heals at home. Come in when:

• It's wide or deep, or has dirt stuck in it.
• You already have stitches that need a check.
• It's a burn with blisters.
• You have diabetes or poor circulation and the wound is on your foot or leg.
• It's been open a while without improving.

If you live with diabetes, check your feet every day; blood sugar control is part of the chronic condition care we provide.

What happens at each dressing visit?

Each time, the medical staff removes the old dressing and looks at the wound's color, smell and drainage. They then rinse it with sterile solution, clear away debris or tissue that keeps it from healing, and apply a fresh dressing chosen for whether the wound is dry or moist. Finally, you're told when to return and how to care for it until then.

Which signs point to an infection?

• Redness spreading around it.
• Growing warmth or swelling.
• Pus or a bad smell.
• Pain that's worse than at first.
• Fever or chills.

If you notice any of these, don't wait for your next scheduled visit: come in today. If the wound opens up or needs closing again, we handle it through suturing.

How do you care for it between visits?

Clean hands first, every time you touch it; the dressing should stay dry and get swapped only on the schedule the staff gave you. Skip home remedies, toothpaste or straight rubbing alcohol. If the dressing gets wet or comes loose, replace it or stop by the clinic.

For your next dressing change, come to 8538 Hammerly Blvd Suite B; on Sundays we see patients until 5 PM.