Incision Drainage Wound Care: Step-by-Step Procedure

Supplies

• Sterile gloves, saline/wound cleanser, cotton-tipped applicators/gauze
• Non-adherent dressing, adhesive tape/Tegaderm, pain medication if needed

Procedure

1. Hand hygiene; don sterile gloves.
2. Remove old dressing.
3. Inspect for infection: redness, swelling, purulent drainage, odor.
4. Cleanse gently with saline/cleanser.
5. Remove debris with sterile applicators/gauze.
6. Apply non-adherent dressing.
7. Secure with tape/Tegaderm.
8. Administer pain medication if prescribed.

Ongoing Care

• Change dressing 1-2× daily or per physician order.
• Keep clean and dry.
• No swimming/bathing until fully healed.
• Contact doctor for: increased pain, spreading redness, fever, foul drainage.