“CARE OF WOUNDS WITH STITCHES”

1. Keep the wound covered and dry for 48 hours.

2. Ice should be applied to the area intermittently for 48 hours.

3. Remove the dressing on ......................................................................................
Shower as normal.

WOUND CLEANING

4. Use cotton buds dipped in normal saline 0.9% to gently cleanse the incision line and stitches of as much scab as possible without too much force.

5. Pat dry with gauze squares.

6. Apply a very thin layer of antibiotic ointment if instructed to do so.

7. Apply a dressing daily if instructed.

8. Stitches (sutures) are to be removed on ________________________________(date)

9. Things to look for:

(i) Bleeding: It is normal to expect some oozing at the stitch or incision site. Leave Intact for 48 hours unless otherwise instructed. It is also normal to expect some swelling, especially 24 -48 hours after surgery. If you notice rapid swelling and/or blood dripping from the incision, this may mean active bleeding underneath the incision and this requires prompt attention.

(ii) Infection: Wound infections after skin surgery are also unusual. Infection includes redness, heat and swelling of the incision site. This may indicate a need for antibiotics. Please call the surgery.

TO PURCHASE PRIOR TO SURGERY (AVAILABLE AT A CHEMIST):

• Normal Saline
• Cotton buds - 1 packet.
• Gauze squares (packet of 100) 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm