Care of Wound With Stitches

Care of Wound With Stitches

Following these directions will speed up the healing process and help prevent infection. About1 in 100 wounds will become infected no matter what you or the doctor does.
Leave the bandage on for 24 hours (remove the day after surgery).
Wash the wound 2 times a day with hydrogen peroxide 3%. After washing with hydrogen peroxide, apply Polysporin ointment to the wound and cover with a Band-Aid. Polysporin is an antibiotic ointment and is available over the counter without a prescription. Antibiotic ointments help prevent infection of the wound and also keeps the bandage from sticking to the wound surface
There is no problem taking a shower. Keep the wound covered when bathing and clean it afterwards as directed above.
If your wound is on the scalp, it is not necessary to cover it with a bandage. Simply clean the wound as instructed above and apply Polysporin. Shampooing the scalp is not a problem, but be gentle to the wound site.
Studies show that wounds covered with a dressing heal faster than uncovered wounds. It is an old wives tale that uncovered wounds heal faster.
Discomfort, swelling and bruising occurs between 6-20 hours after surgery. If painful, take Tylenol. Also if the pain is persistent, contact the office as soon as possible. Do not take aspirin or alcohol for three days after the surgery because these will make the blood thin (easier to bleed).
Removing stitches is virtually painless and is done 7-14 days after surgery, depending on the location and type of surgery which was performed.

Precautions:

If the skin around the wound becomes red, swollen and painful, you may have an infected wound. Call and make an appointment immediately.
It is normal for the wound to drain small amounts of clear or red fluid. If the wound drains white-yellow fluid or pus call us immediately. Failure to call about an infected wound can have serious consequences.
If the wound starts to bleed, hold gauze or cotton over the area and apply pressure for 10 minutes. If the wound continues to bleed, contact the office.
It is recommended not to swim in chlorinated or other water no matter where the wound site is.
Wounds on the face usually heal in one to two weeks. Wounds on the arms, trunk and upper legs heal in about three weeks. Wounds on the lower legs, especially in people over forty, can take up to 3 months to heal. If you are not certain if your wound is healing, please call us.

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