Wound Care
After a wound is closed it must be kept clean. Do not let it get wet the first 24 hours. After 24 hours you can clean it with hydrogen peroxide or gently wash it with soap and water twice a day. Make sure the wound and sutures are kept dry between washings. If you wish, you may put a small amout of antibiotic ointment on the wound if it has been closed by stiches or staples. Do not use ointment if your wound was closed with adhesive spray. Your health care provider may recommend that you cover your wound with a bandage to keep it from getting dirty.
Any wound can become infected. Signs of infection include:
- redness
- red streaks
- swelling
- pus
- drainage
- warmth in the area of the wound
- fever
- increased pain or tenderness
Contact your provider if you notice any of these signs. You health care provider will inform you of how long the sutures or staples will be in before being removed. Do NOT remove sutures or staples yourself unless your provider instructs you to do so.
NextGen Patient Education Material