Wound Care
General Instructions
- Remove clothes, bandages, and dressings very slowly.
- Find, puncture, and drain blisters.
- Pop a blister as soon as you see it.
- Cleaning and removing debris/dead tissue helps to reduce bacteria in wounds and promote wound healing.
- Use a clean needle to create an entry and exit hole so the fluid can escape.
- Roll a soft clean cloth over the top of a blister after bursting.
- The roof should be left on the blister to protect the wound.
- Remove dead skin around the open wound
- Remove dressing as slow as possible
- Use Coconut oil in summer and mustard oil in winter while removing dressings.
- Carefully remove dressings.
- Use a dry towel to tap and clean the wound.
- Use Polyfax or moisturising cream for normal superficial wounds.
- Use Netting bandage soaked in Paraffin and Vaseline.
- Absorbent dressings soak up wound fluid and offer padding and protection.
- Apply moisturizing cream/oil to the skin to help reduce itching. Do not apply on open wounds
- Use bandage netting to hold the dressings in place. Do not use tape
- Cover the net bandage with another regular bandage.
Important Information
- Use protective bandages in areas of constant friction.
- Some people from very hot countries prefer not to use bandages.
- Corn starch can be used for the feet to help dry out blisters and reduce friction. Do not use on the nappy/diaper area.
- Wash scissors and tweezers with soap and water, and rub an alcohol-based product on the surface. Utensils are for individual use only.
- Antimicrobial cream can be used if the wound is infected. Always consult with your doctor first.
The risk of developing skin cancer in RDEB is high, therefore the skin should be checked and monitored for any changes such as lumps, more pain, a change in color or sensation.
Wound care for infected wounds.
Mix 15 liters of lukewarm water with bleach 2.1% (30 ml) and salt (135 g) and bathe daily until the wound infection is under control.
Wound infection can occur if proper care is not taken immediately at the wound site.
Signs of skin infection:
- Redness and heat
- Increased fluid
- Swelling
- Odor
- Non-healing wounds or a wound breakdown
- Increased pain
- Fever
- Dizziness
- See the doctor if signs of infection persist for more than 3-4 days
- Antimicrobial cream can be used if a wound is infected.
- Always consult with your doctor first
See the doctor if you have the following symptoms:
- Fast heart rate
- Fast breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
