Treatment and wound status
[Back to Q&A section overview]
- I have a venous leg ulcer (See definition). My clinician says to exercise but my family and friends tell me to rest. Which is better?
If your wound is treated by a clinician and compression therapy is part of the treatment, exercise will be beneficial for wound healing. If no compression therapy is provided, please ask your clinician for specific advice. Rest could be appropriate in this case.
- I have an arterial leg ulcer. My clinician says to exercise but my family and friends tell me to rest. Which is better?
With an arterial ulcer, exercise is recommended as part of the wound treatment. If the ulcer is under pressure during the exercise, ‘off-loading’ (See Wound glossary) is essential. For further advice, please ask your clinician.
- I have a pressure ulcer (may also be referred to as pressure sore or decubitus). My clinician says to exercise, but my family and friends tell me to rest. Which is better?
With a pressure ulcer, exercise has no negative effect on the wound healing except if the wound is under pressure during the exercise. In that case exercise should be avoided. For further advice, please ask your clinician.
- I have a burn wound. My clinician says to exercise, but my family and friends tell me to rest. Which is better?
With a burn wound, exercise has no negative effect on the wound healing, except if the wound is under pressure during the exercise. In that case, exercise should be avoided. For further advice, please ask your clinician.
- I have an acute wound. My clinician says to exercise, but my family and friends tell me to rest. Which is better?
With an acute wound, exercise has no negative effect on the wound healing except if the wound is under pressure during the exercise. In that case, exercise should be avoided. For further advice, please ask your clinician.
- I have a diabetic foot ulcer. My clinician says to exercise, but my family and friends tell me to rest. Which is better?
With a diabetic foot ulcer, exercise is often recommended as part of the wound treatment. Nevertheless, if your ulcer is under pressure during walking or during the exercise ‘off loading’ (See glossary) is essential. For further advice, please ask your clinician.
- There is a smell from my wound. Why is that and what can I do to get rid of it?
Wounds can produce specific odours. This can be related to the dressing, the healing process or infection. If you are worried and/or the odour is present with more wound fluid and/or pain, please contact your clinician. These symptoms can be related to an infection, and specific treatment is recommended in that case. To diminish the odour, some commercial products are available, and these options should be discussed with your clinician.
- Is it ok to change the dressing myself? / Can I ask a family member or friend to change the dressing?
Many patients or family members are actively involved in wound care, but you need to discuss and plan the wound care/dressing changes with your clinician.
- How often should the dressing be changed?
This will depend on the type of wound and type of dressing. Some dressings are designed to stay on for up to a week. If liquid leaks out of the dressing, or if the wound is much more painful than before without specific reason, it is strongly suggested you contact your treating clinician.