Taking care of the incision site
The following are general directions. Your doctor or nurse may give you specific directions.
Wash your hands before caring for your incision.
Do not apply any creams, salves, ointments or powders unless you have been told to do so.
You may take a shower. Remove the dressing before your shower. After your shower, pat the incision site dry with a clean towel. Put on a new dressing.
Do not take a tub bath until your doctor says it's OK.
When you are not in the shower, keep the incision site as clean and dry as possible. (For instance, if the dressing is on your hand or arm, do not wash dishes.)
Do not poke, scratch or rub your incision.
Your incision may have some drainage that is clear or slightly bloody. This is normal if the incision continues to drain less each day.
Protect the incision from sunlight.
Look at the incision for any signs of infection. If you have any of the following signs, call your doctor:
redness
swelling
unusual drainage
warmth around the incision site
increased pain or tenderness at the incision
incision opens up
fever of more than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Follow your surgeon's directions for sutures or staples, Steri-Strips® or special dressings. If you had:
sutures or staples: they will be removed at your follow-up appointment
Steri-Strips (thin paper-like strips over the incision): they will begin to fall off as the incision heals. They do not need to be replaced.
Follow your surgeon's directions for Dermabond® (a surgical glue). It will fall off as the incision heals. Do not scratch, rub or pick at the glue.