With surgery comes the possibility of scarring. To avoid that and reduce pain or lower the likelihood of infection, you need to take proper care of surgery cuts as they heal.

The surgeon uses either stitches, body glue, or staples to close up the cut. To prevent infection to that area and to increase the rate the incision heals, special care has to be given to it.

Tips for caring for surgical wounds

1. Ask your doctor for advice, and follow their instructions precisely
2. Do not rub or scratch the area of the incision
3. Change the bandage as often as your doctor instructs.
4. Do not expose wounds to sunlight directly as this could cause scarring
5. Do not sprinkle powder, rub ointments, or herbal products on the incision area.
6. Keep the wound area dry when taking baths by covering it with nylon or plastic bags.
7. Stay away from strenuous physical activities like lifting heavy objects, running, etc., for at least 4 weeks after surgery.

Signs of an Infection

Do not hesitate to call your doctor or go to the hospital as soon as you notice any of the following:

1. Abnormal increase in body temperature (100.5°F / 38°C)
2. Difference in the odor, consistency, or color of wound discharge, mainly yellow or green
3. Unusual redness or tenderness to the touch
4. Extreme bleeding or oozing
5. Increasing discomfort or pain
6. Your wound gets larger, deeper, or dark

How to clean a surgical wound

1. Lightly clean with mild soap and warm water to remove crust from the wound.
2. Do not scrape or scrub the surface.
3. Avoid cleaning wounds with cleansers, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, which can destroy the new tissue hence, lengthen the healing process.
4. Dry the wound naturally or gently pat with a clean, adsorbent fabric before dressing.

How to apply a new dressing to a wound

1. Make the following supplies available; disposable medical gloves, bandages/gauze pads, scissors, and surgical plaster.
2. Wash hands thoroughly, dry them, and then put on the gloves.
3. Remove the tape around the previous dressing and carefully dispose of the used dressing.
4. Clean the surface of the wound if instructed by your doctor and check for signs of infection while at it.
5. Carefully place a new, sterile gauze pad over the wound area and tape the sides with the surgical plaster.
6. Never reuse a dressing. One-time use is advised.
7. Dispose of all trash, the used gloves inclusive.
8. Lastly, rewash your hands.

How to properly wash your hands

Clean hands are non-negotiable when it comes to dressing your wounds. You can either clean your hands with an alcohol-based cleanser or try the following steps:

1. First, remove all jewelry from fingers and both wrists.
2. Place your hands under the run of warm water, pointing your fingers downwards.
3. Add anti-bacterial, gentle soap, and rub between your fingers for 20 – 30 seconds. Don’t leave out under your fingernails, as well.
4. Rinse with clean water.
5. Air dry or dry with a clean fabric.