Post-Mole Removal: Bathing Guidelines
Age: 32, Height: 5'5", Weight: 130 lbs, generally in good health. Recently, I had two small moles excised from my back six days ago. Thankfully, there were no stitches involved in the procedure. Although the recovery process has been typical, I am still experiencing mild soreness in the affected area. I've kept them covered, and I believe that they've formed scabs. Unfortunately, viewing the moles directly is not easy for me. How long should I wait before I can enjoy a soak in the bathtub? I've been managing to shower and clean the bandages daily, but due to a leg injury, standing for extended periods is challenging for me. Soaking my sore back would be quite beneficial. Thank you for your input!
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 5:01:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
Key Points: After mole removal without stitches, it’s important to allow the area sufficient time to heal before soaking in the bathtub. Generally, wait at least 1-2 weeks to ensure healing and prevent potential complications.
Explanation: Following your mole removal, the healing process typically goes through stages. Since you’re six days post-procedure and have mild soreness but no stitches, it’s normal for the area to still be tender. The formation of scabs is a sign that your skin is healing, but these can be disturbed by soaking, which might lead to irritation or even infection.
Next Steps:
-
Wait Before Soaking: Aim to wait at least 1-2 weeks from the date of your mole removal before soaking in a bathtub to avoid compromising the healing scabs.
-
Shower Care: Continue showering as you have been by gently cleaning the area with mild soap and water, ensuring you don’t scrub the scabs. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
-
Monitor Healing: Keep an eye on the area for any signs of increased redness, swelling, or discharge, which would require attention.
-
Pain Management: For the mild soreness, consider over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) if needed, ensuring you follow the dosing instructions.
-
Comfort Measures: If standing to shower becomes difficult for your leg injury, you might explore using a shower chair or transferring to a handheld shower to make it easier while keeping your healing back protected.
If you have further concerns or notice anything unusual as you continue to heal, consider reaching out for further support.
Related Questions
Inquiring About Possible Surgery Postponement or Cancellation
I’m a 42-year-old woman, standing at 5'2" and weighing 280 pounds, with a medical background that includes Type 1 Diabetes, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension managed by a VP shunt installed on October 24, Hypothyroidism, seasonal allergies that occasionally trigger mild asthma, anxiety, and Gastroparesis. I regularly use an insulin pump that dispenses Humalog, and monitor my glucose with a Dexcom device. Additionally, I am prescribed Synthroid, Crestor, and Luvox, with access to Tylenol, Valium, and an inhaler for asthma as needed. I am facing a revision surgery for my VP shunt, set for July 15, due to a suspected blockage, although it is unclear if it’s intermittent in the proximal catheter. I have been experiencing increased symptoms and pressure in the ventricles has returned, with visual field degradation. Life has become unbearable, especially since a lumbar puncture in April revealed an opening pressure of 30. An initial tap yielded only a few drops, while the second attempt produced nothing. A CT scan showed nothing abnormal except for the coapted ventricles on the shunt’s side, leading my medical team to conclude that a revision is necessary. Today, I attended pre-anesthesia testing. As a Type 1 diabetic with an A1C level of 8.0—attributed to struggles with insulin access and pump failures over the last three months—I have adjusted my pump settings, which are gradually improving my situation, and my endocrinologist remains optimistic. During testing, my blood pressure was recorded at 142/82 and my heart rate at 110, likely due to anxiety. The nurse practitioner overseeing my pre-op cleared me for surgery pending laboratory results. The MRSA swab came back negative, and my CBC results were normal across the board. However, my BMP raised some concerns, especially regarding my glucose level, which was 204. This isn’t unusual for the morning because of the dawn phenomenon, and I'm currently adjusting my pump settings for better control each week. All electrolyte values were within normal limits, and my BUN level was excellent. The only notable issues were an Anion Gap of 17 and a CO2 level of 18. I was unaware that I should have fasted beforehand; the last time I ate or drank was at 7 PM the previous night, with lab draws occurring around 9 AM. I have previously experienced Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and would certainly recognize if it were a concern. After testing my urine for ketones, the results were negative. My blood sugar has remained stable at around 140 throughout the day, even following a late breakfast and lunch. Aside from the complications related to my shunt, which are disrupting my daily life, I feel otherwise well. Additionally, we’ve been enduring high temperatures in the 90s with high humidity this past week, and I have a low tolerance for heat. Recently, I spent several hours outside at a birthday gathering, making efforts to stay hydrated and find shade. I suspect mild dehydration but have been consuming additional fluids to offset it throughout the day. I am not experiencing any odd breathing difficulties, cramping, or other alarming symptoms aside from the persistent neurological issues. My neurosurgeon won’t receive the test results until Thursday, while my surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. I am incredibly anxious that the results may lead to the postponement of my surgery, and no one has indicated that a retest might be necessary. Last month’s tests were all within normal ranges, albeit I have a history of slightly lower CO2 levels. Should I be worried? I am feeling panicked! The thought of enduring this for more than another week is distressing, and postponing or canceling this surgery is not an option for me. I contacted my neurosurgeon's nurse, but she couldn’t provide any assurances. I also left a message for my surgeon's physician assistant via MyChart. Please alleviate my concerns and reassure me that everything is on track!
21-Year-Old Woman with Seronegative RA and Gastroparesis Experiencing Unusual Symptoms
A 21-year-old female has been diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and is undergoing treatment with Humiroz, a biosimilar to Humira, administered bi-weekly. Currently, there is an investigation into possible connective tissue disorders, yet no definitive diagnosis has been established as of now. For pain and fatigue management, she is prescribed Duloxetine at 30 mg, while Prazosin at 3 mg is utilized to address sleep disturbances and nightmares. To manage acid reflux, she has been given Omeprazole at 30 mg. Recently, she underwent a gastric emptying study (GES), which was terminated after four hours due to inadequate stomach movement, leading to a diagnosis of moderate gastroparesis. Despite a slight weight loss of 9 pounds — which is not significant given her already slender frame — she is coping with unexpected health challenges. One peculiar symptom she experiences is a combination of sneezing and vomiting, which she humorously refers to as "snomiting." This troubling occurrence arises approximately twice a week and is often preceded by a mild fever, usually around 100.8°F to 100.9°F, culminating in episodes over the toilet. So far, feedback from healthcare professionals regarding her sneezing and vomiting has been minimal, often reduced to comments noting the oddity of such symptoms. She is eager to understand the underlying cause of this unusual connection between her sneezing fits and vomiting, as it poses a significant inconvenience in her daily life.
Concerns About Possible Leukemia Symptoms
M31 - Height: 5'10" - Weight: 150 lbs For months, I’ve been grappling with extreme fatigue, which recently escalated into a serious skin infection that arose unexpectedly – specifically, I developed a case of bacterial cellulitis in my armpit. Alongside this, multiple lymph nodes in my arm became noticeably swollen; even after five weeks, they remain enlarged. Additionally, I have been experiencing recurring skin infections. Simple actions like scratching or bumping my skin result in red, inflamed marks that stubbornly refuse to heal. It seems I’m struggling to recover from even minor everyday activities. Moreover, my platelet counts have plummeted by 50% compared to last year. I have also recently been diagnosed with Hypogammaglobulinemia, which adds to my health concerns.
Concerns About Liver Health After Years of Alcoholism
As a 50-year-old man who has battled alcoholism for approximately 15 years, I’ve reached a concerning juncture in my life. The severity of my drinking has intensified over the past four to five years, leading me to make a significant change: I am now four days into sobriety. This decision was prompted by some troubling physical sensations I have been experiencing. Specifically, for the past several months, I've had a persistent discomfort located in my lower back, just beneath the right shoulder blade. This dull ache is what ultimately motivated me to seek sobriety. Additionally, I've been facing some kidney-related discomfort. My bathroom habits have also drastically changed, as I've been struggling with frequent episodes of diarrhea, often yielding a very dark color, likely due to my consumption of red wine. Since achieving four days of sobriety, my stool has shifted to a much lighter color, accompanied by a significant amount of pale yellow liquid. I have also been vigilant in checking for any signs of jaundice in my eyes over the last few months, but so far, there have been no indications. My appetite remains intact, and I haven’t experienced any unforeseen weight loss. Nevertheless, I have been experiencing morning nausea for several months now, which adds to my concerns. I find myself questioning whether I have sought help too late and how serious my current symptoms may be. Is there a possibility that these issues can improve with continued sobriety? What are the chances for recovery?
Experiencing Whooshing and Ringing Sounds in My Head
Hello everyone, over the past few days, I've been experiencing significant disassociation along with persistent breathlessness and severe headaches, leaving my head feeling quite heavy. Despite visiting my doctor, they are unable to determine the cause of these symptoms. I'm finding it difficult to sleep, as I still feel breathless even while resting. Recently, I've developed a fever, and now I am noticing a peculiar whooshing sensation or ringing sound in my head, though it’s challenging to put it into words. I’m growing increasingly concerned that it might be something serious and would greatly appreciate any advice or insights.