can i get surgical stiches wet? ive two kinds on my shoulder one is disovable an 1 isnt. can i get them wet?

Answer 1

First the physician who put your stitches in should have advised you of the proper care (their individual protocol).

Barring that, here are generic guidelines that I use:

Typially wounds are water tight in 24--48 hours after surgery.

It is advised to keep the would clean with mild soap and water, but do not soak the wound. This helps to prevent infection. Otherwise you should keep them dry. You may or may not have been directed to keep your incision covered. Typically the wound is left uncovered 1-2 days after surgery, unless it is draining.

The typical suture that is visible to you should come out in 7 to 10 days depending on the nature of your surgery, but this is not true in all cases!

Getting the surtures wet should not decrease their strength appreciably (regardless if there are absorbable or non-absorbable), but soaking the skin may weaken it and cause the sutures to pull through.

Answer 2

... I think the obvious answer would be not to get them wet, because they are dissolving in nature... if you get them wet by accident, dry them immeditally.

Getting them a little wet won't hurt them, but soaking them in a bath or even a hot shower will act to dissolve them faster. Try bathing without soaking your upperbody, and using a washcloath on the rest of your upper body.

Answer 3

You are not suppose to get stitches wet for so many days. Call your Dr and ask him.

Answer 4

I would not get them wet it may cause an infection.....Didn't your doctor instruct you to keep the stitches dry?

Answer 5

what did your doctor say? i know he told you when he sewed you up so dont say he didnt.