Wound Care: When to Change a Bandage After Drainage for Staph Infection

After incision and drainage of a staph abscess with antibiotic ointment placement:

• Typically 1 week until wound is healed enough for bandage removal
• Change sooner if bandage becomes saturated, loose, or soiled
• When removing: if wound is weeping or crusted, apply fresh hydrocolloid dressing and bandage
• Continue until wound is clean, dry, and epithelizing

Follow your clinician's specific instructions—timing varies by wound size, location, drainage amount, and patient factors (diabetes, immunosuppression).