Immersion Injury--Patient Handout

Review this information with the patient and print it out for the patient to review.

1. Protect the area -- This will prevent it from further injury.

• Rest with the injured part elevated.
• Do not walk on an involved foot until the skin has healed.
• Use crutches as needed.

2. Keep the area clean --

• Wash gently each day with soap and water.
• Leave the skin open to the air, without a dressing or bandage.

3. Look for warning signs of infection --See your community health aid if you have danger signs of infection.

• The wound becomes much more tender or painful
• The wound becomes hot.
• The color around the wound becomes red
• The skin around the wound swells.
• Pus starts oozing from the wound.

If you take good care of the area, it should heal within a few weeks. After healing, you may have decreased feeling (sensation), and so you must be sure to keep your feet dry. Avoid frostbite or other injuries.