how long shoud I keep plaster (adhesive dressing) on wound after surgeon put it?

Question

i had an accidend which made me to have half inch hole in leg (all skin to bone- just beside tibia)

I was wondering if i should wait till plaster (adhesive dressing will fall off itself of for example should i change it from time to time)

surgeon on ER told me that that it will fall off, but it was quick talk, he gave me two plasters just i case i would need them,
he put some stiches (it took him like 20 mins) and than plaster on it (adhesive dressing if you prefer).

he said it will take 2 weeks for wound to be healed.

so all i want to know should i keep the one he put on or change it from time to time?


thanks for your time and help:)

Answer 1

I would not put a plaster on a sutured wound !
Sutures need to be clean and dry and plasters make the wound soggy and prone to infection
If it is a breathable dressing then leave it til it falls off.
If you are unsure of what to do then consult your practice nurse at your local GP's she will have more idea on wound care than a doctor in casualty. ( unless it is a consultant or registrar they usually do a 6 month rotation and by the time they know what they are doing they leave !)
What kind of sutures are they? do they need removing? a wound check one week after would be a wise idea

Answer 2

Perhaps you should ring up your DRs surgery and speak to one of the nurses as they know about these things and will advise you of what to do. Personally i think leaving a plaster on a wound causes it to stay "wet" and it's not until air is allowed to circulate around the wound that a scab will form but hen again because you have stitches you don't want to get any dirt in it by removing the plaster too soon . I would ring up the surgery and ask the nurse.

Answer 3

Depends on the type of adhesive band-aid that was used. If it is a full cover with gel in it it should stay on at least a week. If it is the breathing kind you should replace it every few days as it get dirty an damp.

Depending on the weather and your hygienic regime you may have to change more often.

Answer 4

i would imagine the best thing you could do if it came off or was mucky is go to your local chemist and ask for somthing to clean the wound and then replace the plaster... if you remove the plaster and the wound edges look very red /inflamed/or their is pus oozing consult your doctor its infected if it looks clean and none of the above clean and replace....and besides you should see somone to remove the stitches 10 days after..ask them when you go.

Answer 5

Keep it on. If you suspect the dressing is degrading or loosing it's quality consult your doctor. Don't change it off your own back. Seek advice from a professional.

Answer 6

If he's given you extra then yes you should change it to keep the wound clean and prevent any infection.

Answer 7

I could last forever without chocolate. Although chocolate is a very good source of Vitamin E that prevents brain degeneration. Plus its caffeine makes you focus.

Answer 8

i think you have better follow the ER words. unless it accidentally get wet and you really need to change it.otherwise just leave it alone.

Answer 9

if i were you i would visit your practise nurse and get her to change it for you so you don't get the wound infected

Answer 10

Call the doctor and ask him. We don't know what his thoughts were.