If you have a wound, see the following care tips to promote safety and healing.

Keep your skin clean.

Wash your hands with water and antibacterial soap when they are visibly dirty, and before and after cleaning wounds. Avoid cleaning wounds with rubbing alcohol and peroxide.

Inspect wounds and skin daily.

Wounds may start as a darkened or red spot on the skin that may worsen over time. Inspect your skin daily for signs of wound development. Don’t forget to inspect your feet for wounds.

Keep wounds protected.

Cover wounds with a non-adhesive dressing. Change your dressing daily or when it gets wet. If you can, change your socks and underwear frequently.

Use petroleum jelly or ointment.

Petroleum jelly and/or ointment act as barriers and can prevent bacteria from entering wounds. Be sure to thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water before applying barrier ointment because bacteria can get trapped under the ointment and can cause an infection. Avoid
antibacterial ointments (like Neosporin®) unless directed by your doctor.

Take antibiotics only if they have been prescribed to you.

Incorrect use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics should be taken as prescribed for the full length of time. Unless directed by your doctor, do not take leftover antibiotics.