Head Injury

​Adopt the following wound care methods:

• Check with your doctor if the wound can be left exposed
• If your wound can be exposed, you are allowed to wash your hair gently with mild shampoo after 48 hours
• DO NOT scratch, massage or stretch the wound area
• Keep the dressing dry and clean at all times until it has been removed
• If your dressing is loose, wet or dirty, visit a Polyclinic or General Practitioner (GP) to change it
• For wounds closed with suture glue, DO NOT scratch it off even though it may appear like a normal scab. Let it fall off naturally
• Steri-strips will usually come off around 2 weeks. DO NOT peel them off forcefully
• Apply antibiotic ointment as prescribed
• Keep to your appointment and see the doctor/nurse for wound review
• Visit a doctor immediately if the following occurs:
• Persistent and increasing pain at the wound site
• Fever of 38^oC or higher
• Skin around the wound becomes red and swollen
• Bleeding or foul-smelling discharge from the wound
• Stitches give way or the dressing becomes dirty and wet
• Any abnormal and prolonged symptoms which may be a cause of concern

Support for Head Injury

The NNI Head Injury Support Group helps patients and their families understand the condition and how it impacts them. To join the support group, contact [email protected].

Download Head Injury brochure