Instructions
Open Wounds

1. Irrigate the incision area at least twice a day with peroxide. You may need to use a Q-tip to get inside the opening if the opening is small.

2. Showering: It's OK to get into the shower or bathtub with an open wound. Just make sure the wound is rinsed out well with fresh plain water to extract all soap residue.

3. Wound Care: Place a clean packing into the wound using dry gauze. Dry gauze can be bought at medical supply stores as needed. Twist the end of the gauze slightly in order to place in the small wound or fluff the entire gauze for larger wounds. Use the end of the Q-tip to push the gauze into the deep area or just your fingers for more open wounds. Cover the clean packing with more dry gauze. Use of a Kotex pad is very useful as a absorbent dressing especially for wounds in the genital or rectal area. Change the packing at least twice daily.

4. Application of Heat: Application of a heating pad or hot water bottle to increase blood flow and speed healing is acceptable. DO NOT USE A SETTING WARMER THAN MEDIUM SETTING. WRAP A TOWEL AROUND THE HEATING PAD TO PREVENT TOO MUCH HEAT. DO NOT LAY ON A HEATING PAD.

Sutured Incisions

• Keep incision clean using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide

• Do Not rub at stitches

• You may apply antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) to incision but if redness develops with use of the ointment, discontinue it.

• May shower and bathe normally, but avoid soaking in the tub for long periods of time.

Your sutures may need to be removed at our office.
Generally this is:
- 5-7 days for areas on the head, face or neck
- 7-10 days on the torso or extremities
- 10-14 days on the distal extremities including the hands and feet


Surgical Drains

If a drain is present:

Suction Drain: This has a bulb device attached to the drain during surgery. *Record the amount of drainage every 4 hours by emptying the drainage bulb into a basin or the toilet. Record the amount on paper each time the drain is emptied. Re- activate the drain by compressing the bulb and re-connecting the plug.

Penrose Drain: This is a soft rubber drain which has no collection device. It also is placed at the time of surgery .You may shower and bathe as usual. Place additional padding over the drain and secure well with tape. Remember: We expect drainage! Change the dressing as needed based on the amount of drainage. Change the dressing a minimum of twice a day even if the drainage is minimal. Doing so will lessen the irritation of the surrounding skin.

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