The biggest question and fear that many people have after having an operation is, "How do I take care of this wound now? Will it heal? Will it heal quickly?" Don't worry about it. If you follow your doctor's instructions exactly, the wound can heal beautifully and quickly. Let's talk about all this in simple terms today.
First, let's see, what is an incision?
Simply put, when performing an operation (surgery), an `incision` is the cut in the skin that the surgeon makes to access your body. The size, location, and number of incisions can vary depending on the type of surgery you have. After the doctor closes the incision after the operation, we need to take very good care of the wound until it heals completely.
What are the methods used to close a wound?
Your surgeon may use one of these methods to close the wound. All of these are done to help the wound heal faster.
| Method | Simply a description |
|---|---|
| Sutures | This is the method we all know as 'sutures'. A special type of thread and a needle are used to hold the skin tissue together and sew it together. Some types of sutures dissolve into the skin as the wound heals (dissolvable). There are other types that are stronger. The doctor removes them when the wound heals. |
| Surgical Staples | These are used to close long wounds, especially on the head, arms, and legs. This is not like the paper stapler you find in the office, this is a special surgical tool. These can stop bleeding quickly. Staples made of plastic are used for people who are allergic to metal. |
| Adhesives | This includes special types of plasters (tapes) and surgical glues. These have a sticky nature that holds the skin together. They are often used for small wounds, especially those of children. Steri-Strips® are a popular type of plaster. They are painless. |
How to care for the dressing on a wound?
A 'dressing' is a bandage that is applied to a wound. It is used to keep the wound clean and dry until it heals. This prevents germs from entering from the outside, creating the best environment for the wound to heal.
You should change the dressing as your doctor tells you. They may tell you to change it every day, or every few days. It depends on the nature of the wound.
Be sure to do these things when caring for the wound after surgery:
- Hand washing is essential: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching the wound. This is the most important thing to do to prevent infection.
- Check the wound daily: Check the wound at least once a day. Look for swelling, pus, or changes in the color of the surrounding skin. These can be signs of infection.
- Watch for bleeding: If the wound suddenly starts bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze pad. But if the bleeding doesn't stop, call your doctor immediately.
- Avoid tight clothing: Avoid wearing clothing that is tight or rubs against the skin around the wound. This can delay healing.
- Take a break from work: Avoid running, jumping, or heavy lifting until the injury heals. Also, avoid bending, twisting, or lifting household chores for a while.
- Don't scratch the wound: It's normal for the wound to itch a little as it heals. But don't scratch it with your nails. Doing so can open the wound again and introduce germs. If the itching seems to be getting worse day by day, tell your doctor.
How do you bathe with a wound?
This is a problem that many people have. The way you bathe will vary depending on the type of wound you have. Your doctor's advice is always the most important.
If there are sutures and staples
Unless otherwise instructed, you can shower or bathe 24 hours after your surgery. Gently clean the wound area with a mild, unscented soap and water, then gently pat dry with a clean cloth. Do not rub vigorously.
If Steri-Strips are used
You can shower while wearing this plaster. Clean as before with mild soap and water, and gently pat dry. Do not pull or try to remove these strips.
If surgical glue is applied to the wound
The wound should be kept dry for the first five days. Although this type of gum is water-resistant, cover the area with a waterproof dressing when bathing. After five days, you can bathe normally. But do not soak the wound in water. It is best to take a shower. If it gets wet, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth.
Keep an eye out for infection!
The most dangerous thing that can happen when caring for a wound is for it to become infected, or what we call 'fermentation.' This happens when germs like bacteria enter the wound. If an infection occurs, the wound will not heal properly.
The most important thing is that if an infection is not treated properly, it can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. We call it `Sepsis`. It is a life-threatening condition.
| Be on the lookout for these signs of infection. | |
|---|---|
| Sign | What's happening? (What happens?) |
| Pus | A thick, white or yellowish fluid is oozing from the wound. |
| A bad smell | There is a bad smell coming from the wound. |
| Opening the wound | The seam line becomes deeper, longer, or wider. |
| Redness | The skin around the wound is red, and the redness is spreading. |
| Warmth | When you touch the area around the wound, it feels warmer than other areas. |
| Fever and body aches | You have a high fever (over 101 Fahrenheit), sweat, and feel cold. |
Who is at higher risk of infection?
Some people are at slightly higher risk of developing infections.
- For those with diabetes
- For smokers
- For those who are overweight
- For those with nutritional deficiencies
- For those with weakened immune systems (e.g., those undergoing treatment for cancer)
- For those who have undergone emergency surgery or very long surgery
If something like this happens, call the doctor immediately!
If you experience something like this, don't stay home. Call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.
- If the bleeding from the wound does not stop even after applying pressure .
- If the skin color around the wound changes from day to day (dark red, blue, black).
- If the wound feels like it's getting bigger .
- If pus or other fluid is draining from the wound.
- If you have a high fever .
Never attempt to stitch or treat a wound at home on your own. Doing so increases the risk of infection. Also, infections do not heal on their own. They definitely require medical attention.
Take-Home Message
- Cleanliness first: Always wash your hands with soap before and after touching the wound. This is the most important thing.
- Listen to what the doctor says: Follow the doctor's instructions exactly as they are given regarding how to change the dressing, how to bathe, and how to use medication.
- Watch for signs of infection: If the wound becomes red, swollen, oozing pus, or develops a fever, seek medical advice immediately.
- Don't scratch: Even if you feel like scratching the wound, don't scratch it. Doing so can introduce germs.
- Have a question? Ask: If you have even the slightest question or doubt about your injury, never be afraid to ask your doctor.
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