Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a wound. You might have a cut or scrape, or something might have punctured your skin. A wound is any break in the skin.
Most of the time, you can care for your wound at home. How long it will take to heal depends on how serious the wound is.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Keep the wound covered as it heals, if your doctor told you to. You can put a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on the wound to keep it moist. This also keeps the dressing from sticking to the wound.
●After 24 hours, gently wash the wound with soap and water. Pat dry, and put on a clean dressing.
●Follow instructions about when to change your dressing. This might be every day or every other day.
●Always wash your hands before and after touching the wound or dressing.
●Each time you change the dressing, look closely at the wound to make sure it is healing. It is normal to see some yellowish discharge around the wound.
●Do not scratch at the wound or pick the scab.
●Do not soak the wound in water or go swimming.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•The pain in and around the wound gets much worse.
•A bad smell or pus (thick yellow, green, or gray fluid) is coming from the wound.
•You have a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher, or chills.
•You have a crunchy feeling or blisters in your skin around the wound.
•The redness around the wound gets bigger or is spreading up your arm or leg.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Fluid that is not pus drains from the wound.
●The swelling around the wound doesn't improve or gets worse.
●You have a fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Taking care of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds (The Basics)
Patient education: Caring for an open surgical wound (The Basics)
Patient education: Caring for a closed surgical wound (The Basics)
Patient education: How to change a dressing (The Basics)
Patient education: Negative pressure wound therapy (The Basics)
Patient education: Surgical site infection (The Basics)
