Aquacel AG wound care (1427)
Key points below
After surgery, it is important to take care of the wound area. Keep it clean to prevent infection and help it to heal. The dressing may be changed before leaving the hospital. You will need to check it a few times each day. It the edges of the Aquacel Ag dressing are rolling up, unroll it. Put tegaderm over the edges to keep it from rolling.
Change the dressing only If one half (½) or more of it is covered with drainage. If the dressing is okay it does not need to be changed until the next clinic visit.
If you need to change the dressing, look for these signs of infection:
- More redness or swelling of the wound or skin near the wound.
- Drainage from the wound that wets the dressing in a 24-hour period.
- Pain at the wound site after 7 to 10 days from the time your child left the hospital.
- Fever of 101.50F (38.30C) or higher that is not caused by any other illness.
Call your child’s doctor if there are any of these signs of infection.
Supplies for changing the dressing, if needed:
| Upper leg, hip or back | Lower leg |
| Any medical tape. | Ace™ bandage. |
| 3” x 3” or 4” x 4” gauze. | 3” x 3” or 4” x 4” gauze. |
You can buy these supplies at any drug store.
To change the dressing:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Press down on the skin with one hand and carefully lift the edge of the bandage with the other hand.
- Stretch the dressing to release the seal. Continue to use this taffy pull method to remove the entire bandage. Throw it away.
- Check the wound for redness, drainage or any of the other signs of infection listed above.
- Wash your hands again with soap and water.
- Cover the wound with gauze and ace bandage or gauze and tape. This will depend on where the wound is.
- Make an appointment to have the wound checked and a new dressing put on. Call the Ortho Clinic RN line 414-266-2411. Or you may send a photo of the dressing or incision through MyChart.
- Wash your hands after the changing the dressing.
For other health and wellness information, check out this resource:
https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents
This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.