When you are making incisions what do you have to be careful not to cut?

1. What should you not do when you get stitches?
2. How would you describe a surgical incision site?
3. How long do surgical incisions take to heal?
4. Do you need to keep stitches covered?
5. Can you get stitches wet?
6. Is it better to keep wounds covered or uncovered?
7. Can I put Neosporin on my surgical incision?
8. What are dirty wounds?
9. Do wounds need air to heal?
10. What does an infected incision look like?
11. Why do you put Vaseline on stitches?

What should you not do when you get stitches?

It's important not to scratch your stitches; even though they're strong, scratching may damage them. You should avoid contact sports, such as football or hockey, to give your wound the best possible chance to heal. You should not go swimming until your wound has healed and your stitches have been removed.

How would you describe a surgical incision site?

Use correct terminology to describe your findings, such as ecchymosed (bruised), erythematous (red), indurated (firm), edematous (swollen). Wound edges must also be carefully defined. Wound edges can be described as diffuse, well defined or rolled.

How long do surgical incisions take to heal?

In most cases, a surgical incision heals in about two weeks. More complex surgical incisions will take longer to heal. If you have other medical conditions or are taking certain medications, your healing time may differ.

Do you need to keep stitches covered?

Protect the stitches.

You may need to cover your stitches with a bandage for 24 to 48 hours, or as directed. Do not bump or hit the suture area. This could open the wound. Do not trim or shorten the ends of your stitches.

Can you get stitches wet?

After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get your stitches wet briefly with a light spray (such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath). Make sure you pat the area dry afterwards.

Is it better to keep wounds covered or uncovered?

Leaving a wound uncovered helps it stay dry and helps it heal. If the wound isn't in an area that will get dirty or be rubbed by clothing, you don't have to cover it.

Can I put Neosporin on my surgical incision?

Antibiotic ointment – such as Polysporin or Bacitracin. PLEASE DO NOT USE NEOSPORIN this contains neomycin which may cause an allergic reaction even if they have used it before without any problems. Non-stick pads – such as telfa, paper tape or any non irritating band aide that will fit over the incision site.

What are dirty wounds?

Dirty-wound meaning

An external wound, primarily an untreated cut or tear of the skin, easily susceptible to infection as a result of exposure to unsanitary conditions, as would be likely at time of injury.

Do wounds need air to heal?

Contrary to folk wisdom, wounds need moisture — not air — to heal. Leaving a wound uncovered can slow down the healing process.

What does an infected incision look like?

Redness: Some redness at the incision site is normal. The red color should decrease over time. If it becomes redder, it may be infected. Red streaks radiating from the incision to the surrounding skin are another sign of infection.

Why do you put Vaseline on stitches?

Lightly pat the wound dry and then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline®). This will help keep the wound moist and allow it to heal faster with less scarring. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly.