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How to look after your leg and apply compression / change your dressing

Changing your wound dressing and applying compression garments are important parts of your treatment. Following a few clear steps can help protect your skin, support healing and make sure your compression works effectively.

Let's go through it, step by step.

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​1. Clean your work area

Wipe down the table or surface where you’ll put your clean dressings using sanitising wipes or warm water with washing-up liquid.

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2. Wash your hands

Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — do not forget between your fingers and palms. Dry with a clean towel or kitchen roll.

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3. Gather what you need

Have everything ready before you start:
  • Dressing pack (usually has gloves, gauze, apron, tray, waste bag)
  • New dressing(s)
  • Clean scissors (wipe blades with a sanitising wipe)
  • Water or saline to clean around the wound
  • Any cream your nurse or doctor has advised
  • Adhesive tape (if needed)

4. Prepare your clean area

  • Open your dressing pack and lay out the wrapping to create a clean space.
  • Open your new dressing(s) and place them on this clean surface.
  • Put on an apron if you have one and place your waste bag close by.

5. Remove the old dressing

  • Take off the old dressing gently. Try not to touch the part that touched the wound.
  • If the dressing is stuck, soak it with water or saline — wait until it loosens to avoid pulling.
  • If it has a sticky edge, lift a corner and stretch it sideways along the skin to break the stickiness — go slowly.

6. Dispose of the old dressing and wash your hands again

Put the old dressing in the waste bag straight away and wash your hands.

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7. Put on gloves (if you have them)

If you do not have gloves, just try not to touch the wound directly.

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8. Clean around the wound (if needed)

  • If advised, clean the wound gently from the middle outwards using clean gauze and water or saline.
  • Dry the skin gently.
  • If your nurse or doctor has told you to, apply cream around (not on) the wound, avoiding where tape or dressing will stick

9. Apply the new dressing

Follow the instructions that came with your dressing. Make sure it covers the wound fully and sticks well.

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10. Put on your compression garment

Once the dressing is secure, put on your compression stocking, sock or wrap as instructed by your health care professional

11. Clean up

  • Seal the waste bag and put it in your household rubbish (unless told otherwise).
  • Wash your hands thoroughly again.
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