I had a biopsy of a rash on my upper arm about a week ago and along with it 4 stitches. On top of the stitches the doctor laid white strips under the band aid, saying they will fall off on their own eventually - well, they did. I no longer apply a bandaid to the stitches and it appears pretty healed up.
Can I take a shower if I don't scrub the stitched area?
2007-02-19 10:27:07 · 14 answers · asked by •) (• 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
Thanks for all the answers!
I took a shower today and it was fine, I took all of your advice: put a bandage over the area, kept it out of direct water, patted dry, and applied anti-bacterial cream and a new bandaid. So far it's been fine.
Thanks again,
)BJB(
2007-02-20 11:23:18 · update #1
Usually doctors tell you to wait a week before exposing the stiched area to water. You've passed that point, so you should be okay.
If you still have any uncertainty, cover it with a large waterproof bandaide, or call your doctor's office and ask the triage nurse to check your chart and advise you on what to do.
2007-02-19 10:35:18 · answer #1 · answered by Episco 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. Stitches should be kept dry, stand at the sink and wash thoroughly with a wash cloth, the old fashioned way for a bit longer. If you must shower, cover them with a waterproof adhesive pad and make sure it completely covers the area and is sealed down tight. Try not to allow water to spray directly on the bandage. Shower quickly, and towel patch area first to make sure is it dry.
2007-02-20 09:21:00 · answer #2 · answered by teacupn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just wrap saran wrap around my leg for 2 weeks till my stitches are removed too be safe.
2016-01-30 05:48:17 · answer #3 · answered by CHRISTOPHE SADLER 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can shower with stitches as long as you dry them off immediately after getting out of the shower.
2007-02-19 11:28:20 · answer #4 · answered by Alyssa D 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It should be ok to go ahead and take a shower now since it's been a week. It's usually recommended that one wait 24 hours before taking a bath but check with your dr any way to make sure that it's ok for you to take a shower now.
2007-02-19 10:31:47 · answer #5 · answered by sokokl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes I think so as long as you are real gentle with the area, and remember pat the area dry don't rub.
2007-02-19 17:57:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I HAD STITCHES ON MY FACE 3 WEEKS AGO =)
SO WHAT YOU CAN DO IS IF THE STICHES ARE KINDA HEALED,LIKE IF YOU TOUCH THEM AND DONT FEEL SOO MUCH PAIN,YOU CAN SHOWER REGULARLY WITH WARM TAP WATER!!
WITHOUT A PROBLEM SINCE THE STITCHES WILL EVENTUALLY GET USED TO THE WATER,BUT AFTER YOU SHOWER DONT EVER!!!LOL,,,,RUB YOURE STITCHES AS YOU RUB YOURE BODY WITH YOURE TOWEL TO GET DRY,I WILL MAKE THEM AS NEW AND THEY WILL HURT AS HELL!!,I DID THAT AND REGRET IT ALSO LEADS TO SCARRING!!
SO GENTLY PAT DRY THE STITCHES AND THEN YOU WONT REGRET IT,THEN APPLY A HEALING SERUM TO THE STITCHES AND THAT WILL SPEED THE HEALING PROCESS,I HOPE MY INFO HAS BEEN HELPFUL THANKS =)
2007-02-19 10:37:39 · answer #7 · answered by kute_lil1 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When i had stitches the doctor said not to get the stitiches wet and if you shower to put something over it. that's what i was told.
2007-02-19 10:36:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
As long as you're damn careful.
I took a shower after my brain surgery, but I had metal staples in.
It depends what they've said.
2007-02-19 10:35:18 · answer #9 · answered by Slappy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, usually all u have to wait is 24 hrs, so after 4 days go for it!
2007-02-19 10:50:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋