Article: To make this process easier, pour liberal amounts of water on the dressing so that the edges of the tape loosen up. You could also try wetting the bandage with a cotton ball that has been dipped in a saline solution. You could also use an unopened, sterile bottle of water to clean the wound. When you have uncovered your wound, take a look at it to see if there are any signs of infection. Note any foul smelling odor, drainage (and what color the drainage is) and the physical appearance of the wound. It is normal to see redness and swelling during the first few days after you receive the wound, but any foul smell or draining pus, or exudate, means that your wound is infected. Report these signs to your doctor immediately. Apply an antibiotic cream to make sure the wound is protected. Cover the wound with sterilized gauze and tape the gauze down around the edges. Do not use an antibacterial cream for an extended period of time.
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Remove the old dressing. Assess your wound. Apply the new dressing.