Whether you have required stitches for a deep wound or have had a superficial shave excision below are some tips how to care for your wound over the coming weeks. 

Keep the wound dry avoid getting the wound wet, especially in the first few days of an operation. You can usewaterproof dressings or use a plastice wrap to cover the wound before showering

Keep the original dressing on for 2 days before changing it . This is only a general rule , but please change the dressing if it becomes overly wet or dirty. Avoid touching the wound with your fingers. You will be given a supply of dressings by our nurse before you leave the clinic.

Showering is preferable to bathing , avoid soap /shower gel, or body lotion directly on to the wound as this can increase the risk of infection

Once the wound is dry and no longer oozing , you can leave the dressings off unless you find it helpful to avoid rubbing and any residual pain.

Although rare, one of the most important complications is to monitor for signs of infection: 

1: increasing pain 

2: increased swelling and redness

3: emerging leakage of blood and pus from the wound

4: unpleasant smell.

5: Fever with temp above 37.5c

Please contact us at the practice if you experience any of the above signs emerge.

If you required stutures for the wound , you should have been given an appointment to have a review of the wound a week to 10 days later with the aim of removing them at the appointment.