Audio Narration by Dr. Barker:

    If you have a wound that’s slow to heal, is large, or appears infected, you may need to see a wound care specialist. Surgical Care of the Virginias in Bluefield, Virginia, Frederick W. Barker, MD FACS, offers comprehensive wound care services.

    Wound Care Q & A

    When should I ask for a surgeon to help with a wound?

    Life happens, and wounds are often part of the experience. Figuring out when you need a surgeon to help with wound care can be tricky. So it’s a good idea to follow these guidelines for seeking additional care:

    • A wound that doesn’t stop bleeding
    • A wound that appears infected (swollen, red tissue that’s painful, tender, and may have pus oozing from or on its surface)
    • Any wound that involves retained foreign material or was caused by an animal or human bite, or a deep puncture
    • If you have a fever associated with the wound
    • If the wound is located over a joint
    • You can’t easily close the wound
    • You have a pre-existing condition like diabetes

    These are good rules of thumb, but if you’re at all unsure, please call your doctor or request an urgent telemedicine consultation with Dr. Barker.

    Please note that if you’re bleeding does not stop with a few minutes of direct pressure or you’re in severe pain, go to your nearest emergency room for immediate care and have the ER contact Dr. Barker.

    What can I expect during my wound care?

    When you see Dr. Barker, he will examine your wound, clean it, take measurements and decide on the best plan for immediate and follow-up care.

    Depending on the situation, he may arrange for you to have specialized dressings and may make arrangements for home care by a visiting nurse. Alternatively, you and he may elect to have you seen regularly in his office or outpatient surgery at the hospital.

    What about aftercare for my wound?

    Once Dr. Barker is satisfied that it is safe for you to care for your wound at home, he may culture the wound and prescribe an antibiotic to ward off infection. He will check to make sure that your tetanus immunization is up to date.

    When he sends you home, Dr. Barker will see to it that you receive complete aftercare instructions, including how to clean and redress the wound and if there are any restrictions, such as getting the wound wet, or immobilization of the affected body part.

    Click here for more information on wound care!

    For expert treatment of your wound, call or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment or telemedicine consult.