Concerns About Wound Care and Dermatologist Appointment
I had my stitches taken out today, but I noticed that only part of the wound has healed while the other half remains open. The doctor mentioned that this sometimes occurs with stitches and has referred me to a dermatologist for further evaluation. He provided me with antibiotic cream and covered the area with gauze and tape. Additionally, he suggested that I could apply aloe vera to promote healing but emphasized the importance of consulting with the dermatologist for the best treatment options. Now, I’m wondering if it’s okay for me to take a shower tonight. The wound doesn’t seem to be wide open, but it is not fully closed, and when I apply pressure, I can see some blood. I’m hesitant to disturb it too much. Is there a risk if soap or water runs into the wound? For context, I’m a 38-year-old male, standing 5'9" and weighing 210 pounds.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 1:40:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your wound healing after having stitches removed. When part of a wound remains open, it can be a normal part of the healing process, but it's essential to take care of it properly to prevent infection and support healing.
Main Points:
- Showering with an Open Wound: You can shower, but take precautions to protect your wound.
- Monitoring and Care: Follow specific care guidelines to ensure healing and observe any changes.
- Dermatologist Follow-up: Keep your appointment with the dermatologist for a thorough evaluation.
Explanation:
Wounds can sometimes heal unevenly, especially after stitches are removed. It's positive that your doctor has provided an antibiotic cream and covered the area. The recommendation to use aloe vera is meant to potentially soothe and aid in healing, but make sure to follow your dermatologist's advice regarding this.
Taking a shower is generally fine, but you want to avoid direct exposure of the wound to water and soap since this can irritate it or introduce bacteria. Gentle care is essential, especially if there's still some bleeding when pressed.
Next Steps:
-
Showering:
- Keep the wound covered with the gauze and tape while showering.
- Take a quick, gentle shower without directly spraying water on the wound; try to avoid the area completely.
- If water does get on it, gently pat it dry with a clean towel afterward, but do not rub.
-
Wound Care:
- After showering, apply a fresh layer of the antibiotic cream as your doctor instructed.
- Monitor the wound for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge.
-
Observe Symptoms:
- Keep track of any changes like increased bleeding, pain, or if you notice any unusual odors from the wound.
- Write down your observations; this will help your dermatologist assess your wound.
-
Follow-Up:
- Make sure to attend your dermatology appointment as scheduled, as they can provide further treatment options specific to your situation.
Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance on any specific concern!
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