How to remove a dressing?

[sufu]

I received a dressing on my toe but it won't come off. It's soaked was soaked with blood and it all dried up. It's literally like a cast. I don't want to tear it off because I'm afraid something would happen to my nail, which I stubbed. It's been 3 days since I've had the dressing and I think I should put on a new one, but how do I get the old one off?

[Londres70]

I agree with caregiver222.  Ideally, 0.9% NS(normal saline) would be the best.    

[caregiver222]

The drill is long soaking in warm salted water.  If the fibre is interwoven with the scab, leave it there. Debridement is a procedure best conducted by professionals.

If there is deep involvement you may start the bleeding again. I hate to give advice without seeing the wound, so I'd advise you so see your physician.

The question of dressing removal is controversial. During WW1 the protocol was daily dressing changes. Then they did a mortality study and found that dressings "left alone" had better outcomes.

There is a dressing imported from China that is designed to stop bleeding and eventually remain in place on the scab and dissolve in warm water. They are hard to come by.

[threedogsandacat]

Hi, Try soaking it in some cool soapy water for about 10 to 15 minutes. The dried blood should soften so you can remove it. You should change the dressing once a day. You can purchase a non-stick pad to go on after you apply an antibiotic and then rap it up. Also, hydrogen peroxide breaks down blood but it will probably sting like crazy. I feel for you, I hate stubbing my toe.

[geminigirl1963]

Try soaking the affected foot/toe in some warm water with perhaps some epsom salts added for a while.  That may soften up the dried blood enough that you can safely and hopefully, painlessly remove the dressing.  If you plan on putting a new dressing on, be sure and have the toe completely dry before you do to help avoid an infection.  You may also consider putting some antibiotic ointment on the toe before you replace the dressing - not only to again hopefully avoid infection, but it will also help keep that area moist so hopefully the new dressing won't get as dry and stick to your toe as the current one.

I hope this helps!