How to Remove Wound Packing Painlessly

Written by Nick Davis

27 July, 2017

Cuts and wounds are an unfortunate part of life. Removing bandages from wounds is a painful task that can sometimes hurt as much as the injury itself. The pain comes from the wound packing becoming dry and sticking to your skin. You can ease some of the pain by knowing how to properly remove the wound packing. All it requires is some pain medicine, saline solution and a little patience.

Take some aspirin or other pain medicine at least a half hour before attempting to remove the wound packing.

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Stand over a sink or bathtub.

Pour some saline solution or contact lens solution over the wound packing. Let the solution soak into the packing for about 10 minutes to loosen up the gauze, glue and other elements of the packing.

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Pull the tape slowly that holds the wound packing in place. Take your time, and pull each piece of tape completely free from the gauze and your skin.

Pull the gauze packing slowly from your skin. Lift and pull, then lift and pull again until the gauze is completely removed.

Dispose of the old wound packing. Let your wound get some air for a few minutes.

Wet a clean cloth with warm water, and wipe the wound area.

Dry the wound area by patting it. Do not rub the area.

Tips

Remove the wound packing slowly, and observe the wound area. Check for any discoloration, an odd discharge, extreme pain or strange smell. Contact your physician, or visit a minor medical/emergency room for medical attention.