Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Biologic Wound Debridement, Care After
The following information offers guidance on how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.
If you have a history of allergy to fly larvae or ingredients used in how they are made (brewer’s yeast, soy) notify your health care provider.
What can I expect after the procedure?
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Pain or soreness.
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Stiffness.
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Some leaking of fluid from the wound.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
Wound care
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your wound. Make sure you:
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Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you change your dressing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
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Change your dressing as told by your health care provider.
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Perform other wound care as told by your health care provider.
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Check your wound every day for signs of infection. Check for:
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Redness, swelling, or more pain.
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Blood or more fluid.
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Warmth.
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Pus or a bad smell.
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General instructions
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Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you may take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths.
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Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
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Eat a healthy diet with lots of protein. Sources of protein include meats, cheese, nuts, beans, and protein supplement drinks. Ask your health care provider to suggest the best diet for you.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have a fever.
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You have pain that gets worse or does not get better with medicine.
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Your wound is red or swollen.
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You have blood or more fluid coming from your wound.
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Your wound is warm to the touch.
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You have pus or a bad smell coming from your wound.
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Your wound is not getting better within 1–2 weeks of treatment.
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You develop a new medical condition, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or a condition that affects your body’s defense system (immune system).
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If you experience anxiety about your wound treatment.
Get help right away if:
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You have severe pain that does not get better with medicine.
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You have shortness of breath.
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You feel confused.
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You have clammy or sweaty skin for no known reason.
Summary
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After the procedure, it is common to have pain and soreness, stiffness, and some leaking of fluid from the wound.
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your wound.
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Check your wound every day for signs of infection.
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Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you may take showers.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
