Wound Care

You have a break in the skin. This wound may be because of an injury or the result of surgery. Closing the wound helps stop bleeding, protects the wound from infection and speeds healing.

The type of closure that is used depends on the size and location of the wound. Choices include stitches (sutures), strips of surgical tape, skin glue or staples.

Home care

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines for pain or he or she may suggest an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

If you have chronic kidney disease, talk with your provider before taking any OTC medicines. Also, talk with your provider if you have had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.

In certain cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed for as long as directed. Do not stop taking your antibiotics until they are all gone, even if you feel better.

General care

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on how to care for the wound.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after caring for the wound. This helps prevent infection.
• If a bandage or dressing was applied, change it once a day or as directed. If at any time it becomes wet or dirty, replace it with a new one.
• Unless told otherwise, avoid soaking the wound in water. Take showers or sponge baths instead of tub baths. Do not scrub or pick at the wound.
• Do not go swimming.
• If you have a bandage or dressing and it gets wet, use a clean cloth to gently pat the wound dry. Then replace the bandage with a dry one.
• Do not scratch, rub or pick at the area.
• Watch for the signs of infection listed below. Any wound can get infected even if you are taking antibiotics.
• Seek care right away if you see any possible signs of infection.

Care for specific closures

• Sutures. You may want to clean the wound daily after the first 2 to 3 days. To do this, remove the bandage or dressing and gently wash the area with soap and warm water. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if recommended. Then apply a new bandage or dressing. Sutures on the outside of the skin usually need to be removed by your healthcare provider.
• Surgical tape. Keep the area dry. If it gets wet, pat it dry with a towel. Surgical tape closures usually fall off within 7 to 10 days. If they have not fallen off after 10 days, you can remove them yourself if your healthcare provider says it is okay to do so. To remove the tape, use mineral oil or petroleum jelly on a cotton ball to gently rub the adhesive.
• Skin glue. You may shower or bathe as usual but do not use soaps, lotions, or ointments on the wound area. Do not scrub the wound. After bathing, pat the wound dry with a soft towel. Do not apply liquids like peroxide, ointments, or creams to the wound while the strips or film is in place. Do not scratch, rub, or pick at the strips or film. Do not put tape directly over the strips or film. Skin adhesive film will fall off naturally in 5 to 10 days. If it does not peel off in 10 days, gently rub petroleum jelly or an ointment onto the film if your provider says it is okay to do so.
• Staples. Take showers or sponge baths. Do not take tub baths. Do not use lotions on the wound area. The area may be cleaned with soap and water 2 to 3 days after the wound was stapled. Do not scrub the wound. Pat it dry with a clean soft cloth or towel. You can use antibiotic ointment if your provider recommends it. Staples will need to be removed by your healthcare provider in 10 to 14 days.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as directed. If you have sutures or staples, return for their removal as directed.