Most wound treatments or coverings promote a moist — but not overly wet — wound surface. For example, healthcare professionals usually apply a topical antibiotic ointment to a scrape or small cut, and then cover it with gauze or a bandage.
This keeps new skin and other cells alive. It also helps protect the area from dirt, germs and further injury and may feel more comfortable than leaving a wound open.
But as is true for most of medicine, there are exceptions. Small dry, scabs from minor cuts and scrapes can be left uncovered. Also, pressure ulcers on the heels can often be left open to dry. Pay attention to the color and amount of drainage from your wound. Look for drainage that has become darker or thicker. After cleaning your wound, remove your gloves and put them in the plastic bag with the old dressing and gloves.
Wash your hands again. Changing Your Dressing. Follow these steps to put a new dressing on: Put on a new pair of non-sterile gloves. Pour saline into a clean bowl. Place gauze pads and any packing tape you will use in the bowl. Squeeze the saline from the gauze pads or packing tape until it is no longer dripping.
Place the gauze pads or packing tape in your wound. Carefully fill in the wound and any spaces under the skin. Cover the wet gauze or packing tape with a large dry dressing pad. Use tape or rolled gauze to hold this dressing in place. Put all used supplies in the plastic bag. Close it securely, then put it in a second plastic bag, and close that bag securely. Put it in the trash. Wash your hands again when you are finished.
When to Call the Doctor. Call your doctor if you have any of these changes around your wound: Worsening redness More pain Swelling Bleeding It is larger or deeper It looks dried out or dark The drainage is increasing The drainage has a bad smell Also call your doctor if: Your temperature is Alternative Names.
However, you should not submerge your dressing under water. If you're not sure whether your dressing is waterproof, avoid getting it wet. For more information, read our common health question: Is it better to have a bath or shower after surgery? Dab your stitches dry with a clean towel after washing, even if the wound area did not get wet, to ensure the area is completely dry.
If your stitches get wet accidentally, simply dry the area immediately with a clean towel and make sure all the moisture around the stitches is soaked up.
After you've had stitches, you should be given some aftercare advice and contact details in case you're worried or have any questions.
Read the answers to more questions about accidents, first aid and treatments. Page last reviewed: 6 March Next review due: 6 March
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