Patient resources and wound care guidance

Living with a chronic wound or managing diabetes can feel overwhelming for you and your family. We have compiled clear, practical advice and essential clinical guidance from our registered nurses to help you look after your wound safely at home between visits.

Practical wound care and diabetic support advice

Find clear answers to key questions about everyday wound management, recognising warning signs, and knowing when to request immediate nursing support.

How should I look after my wound dressing at home?

Always wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after touching your wound or dressing. Keep your dressing clean and dry, protect it during washing, and follow your clinician's exact instructions regarding when and how it should be changed. Do not remove intact dressings prematurely unless instructed by your nurse.

What daily habits help wounds heal faster?

Good nutrition plays a central role in tissue repair. Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and maintain adequate fluid intake throughout the day. Avoid smoking, as nicotine constricts blood vessels and significantly slows the healing process. If you have been prescribed compression garments or advised to elevate your legs, keeping up with this routine makes a substantial difference.

How do I perform a daily diabetic foot check?

Inspect your feet daily under good lighting for any blisters, cuts, redness, cracked skin, or swelling. Use a mirror or ask a family member if you cannot see the soles of your feet easily. Keep your feet moisturised (avoiding between the toes), wear well-fitting shoes, and contact our team immediately if you notice skin breakdown or reduced sensation.

When should I contact a nurse or my GP about a wound?

Get in touch with Eden Wound Care or your GP if you notice signs of potential infection or stalled healing. These include increasing pain, spreading redness or swelling around the wound, skin that feels hot to the touch, unusual or foul-smelling odour, yellow or green pus, or a wound that is enlarging or showing no improvement after two weeks.

When is urgent medical assistance required?

Seek immediate medical help (such as calling NHS 111 or 999, or attending A&E) if you experience severe sudden pain, uncontrollable bleeding from the wound site, rapid spreading redness up the limb (streaking), a high fever with chills, sudden numbness, or signs of acute sepsis such as confusion, dizziness, or breathlessness.

How does Eden Wound Care support home healing?

We bring hospital-standard tissue viability care straight to your home. You receive care from the same consistent registered general nurse each visit, avoiding stressful clinic travel. We provide advanced dressing changes, monitor infection markers, track progress closely, and issue transparent digital clinical notes after each visit for you and your GP.

Need expert nursing care at home?

Whether you need advanced dressing changes, diabetic foot screening, or ongoing tissue viability monitoring, our registered nurses are here to support your recovery with dedicated home visits.