Is it Safe to Use a Q-Tip and Peroxide to Clean Dried Blood from My Incision?
I underwent a surgical procedure yesterday to place a tube in my eardrum, using cartilage taken from my tragus for anchorage. My doctor has advised against getting the area wet, but I've noticed that dried blood is accumulating and causing some itchiness. Is it permissible to gently clean the area without fully soaking it? Unfortunately, I can’t reach his office for clarification, and the care instructions I received do not address this issue. I am a 28-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 160 pounds. I do not smoke, drink, or use any recreational drugs, and I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome.
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 5:10:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about caring for your incision, especially given the recent surgery. While you want to keep the area clean, it's crucial to follow your doctor's advice regarding moisture exposure. Here are the main points to consider:
Main Points:
- Avoid Moisture: Unless specified by your doctor, it's best to avoid getting the incision wet.
- Gentle Cleaning: While using a Q-tip and hydrogen peroxide might seem tempting, it's not advisable for protecting the integrity of the incision.
Explanation:
Since your doctor has advised against getting the area wet, cleaning with water or solutions, including hydrogen peroxide, could disrupt the healing process or introduce bacteria. Dried blood can be itchy, but it is part of the natural healing process.
Using a Q-tip to clean around the incision can risk accidentally pulling at scabs or disrupting healing tissue. Also, hydrogen peroxide can be too harsh and may delay healing by damaging healthy skin cells.
Next Steps:
- Dry Technique: Instead of using liquid cleaners, gently wipe around the skin using a clean, dry cloth if it feels necessary, avoiding the incision directly.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the incision for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever). These would warrant a more immediate need to contact your healthcare provider.
- Avoid Scratching: Resist the urge to scratch the area, as this can lead to irritation or infection.
- Seek Assistance: If you continue to experience itchiness or discomfort, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider via a telehealth option if possible, or ask someone to help you get in touch for further advice.
Remember, your incision will likely improve with time, so patience during the healing process is key. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
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