I've got an abrasion on my left wrist and I put some antiseptic ointment on it. I'm a bit unsure if I should cover it up with a bandage or just leave it open. Also, there's a little bit of liquid coming out of the wound. What should I do?

Dr Shubham Chauhan

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 4+ Yrs

Consult Now

For an abrasion wound like yours, it is recommended to cover it with a bandage to protect it from dirt and bacteria, which can help prevent infection. You can use a sterile gauze pad and secure it with medical tape. Make sure to change the bandage regularly, at least once a day or whenever it gets wet or dirty. As for the liquid coming out of the wound, it is likely serous fluid, which is a normal part of the healing process. It helps keep the wound moist and aids in the formation of new tissue. However, if the fluid is excessive, discolored, or has a foul odor, it may indicate infection, and you should seek medical attention. To help with healing, you can also consider using an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Bacitracin on the wound before covering it with a bandage.

Answered 12 days ago