Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello. I have some questions that I hope someone can help me answer.
Do wounds give off anything after they scab?
Does whatever it gives off impact when to change the bandage?
How do you know when to change the bandage on a wound?

Hi anagra,

Generally, bandages should be changed as soon as the wound drainage soaks through the bandage, and at least once a day. Go to this link for some more information about changing bandages: http://woundcaresociety.org/how-often-s ... on-a-wound

I'm not sure what you mean by what wounds give off. Often, especially for deep wounds, they will continue to drain various types of fluids. Check this link for more information about drainage: http://www.advancedtissue.com/exploring ... -drainage/

Hope this helps, and let us know if you have more questions,
Allison

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Hi anagra,

Wound drainage usually comes from the fluid in blood called plasma. See this website for more information:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... _functions

The amount and rate of drainage can be measured by evaluating how much time it takes for a bandage to be soaked through with fluid, but is difficult to directly measure. More drainage is expected from deeper and larger wounds, and bandages should be changed once they're soaked in fluid (the amount of fluid required to soak through the bandage depends on the size and type of bandage).

Hope this helped!
Allison