I just got stitches. How should I go about taking a shower?

Question

I got in a huge argument with my mom this morning, and I smashed a mirror, so I had to get stitches, and now I need to take a shower, but I don't wanna get my hand wet. I got the stitches on one of my knuckles on my right hand, and I'm right handed, so yeah...

Answer 1

The rule for wound care with stitches are as follows:

Keep wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours.

Bathing is allowed after 48 hours.

Bandages can safely be removed from the wound after 48 hours, unless it continues to bleed or has a discharge. If bandages are kept in place and get wet, the wet bandage should be replaced with a clean dry bandage.

An antibiotic ointment (brand names are Polysporin or Neosporin, for example) should be used after the wound is cleaned.

Notify your doctor if a suture becomes loosened or breaks.

Return when scheduled to have your stitches removed.

During the first 48 hours most hospitals would have you place your hand in a plastic bag (small garbage or similar) and tape it. It would still be recommended that you keep the hand up, as water draining down the would still be able to seep into the bag.

After 48 hours you may shower but do not immerse your hands in water for 5-6 days or healing may be compromised and you have an increased risk of infection.

Answer 2

Agree with DonnaB
But you didn't specify if your stitches are dissolvable or if you'll have to go back to get them removed.

If they're the dissolvable kind, best to keep them dry as much as possible. If not, just be really careful not to scrub over the sutures or snag them on anything, and a little water won't hurt.

Answer 3

You will be ok as long as you don't get your face wet. Wash your face when you get out of the shower with a wash cloth and just don't get the area wet where the stitches are. The ame in not getting the stitches wet is to keep the likely hood of infection down. moist damp open skin is moor likely to get infected.

Answer 4

I would put a large ziploc type bag over your hand and wrap masking or duct tape around your wrist. It's awkward but it will keep your stitches dry.

Answer 5

if you dont have a glove avalible use a large bag like a 1 qt freezer bag or a plastic bag from the grocery store and tape it-- you can still use your hand-- if your stiches are the ones you have to go back to be taken out --after the shower use some peroxide on it to make sure it is clean I cut mine to the bone on the palm and this worked fine for me for about 3 weeks good luck

Answer 6

best to keep them dry by either putting on rubber glove or if you have to try putting a plastic bag on your hand and tying it around it to keep water out for a few days to keep from getting an infection. i had to have carpel tunnel surgery on both my hands and hat is what i had to do. i'm glad you opted to hit the mirror instead of your mom at least. i'm a mom of 3 and i know we sometimes get frustrating but we only do it because we love our children and are looking out for their best interest. good luck and best wishes.

Answer 7

do NOT put powered/latex gloves on your newly sutured hand!! if anything turn the non-latex(!) glove inside out if it has powder in it.

you can also use a ziploc bag but be sure that it's sealed tight so no water can get in.

Answer 8

Best thing to do is put a latex glove on your hand and tape around the cuff so it doesn't get wet. It really won't hurt for it to get wet after a couple of days. Hey, I know moms can be really annoying at times, but please control your temper.

Answer 9

AFTER you apologize to ur Mother, and get the mess cleaned up by smashing her mirror, then here is what I suggest you do. Use a STRONG latex glove, tape it firmly with a STRONG tape, even duct tape, in ur case. Also, once you are nice and clean, I WOULD SUGGEST ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES. I am SORRY, but, WHOA! If my kids did this- I'd call the POLICE! Have a nice day and take care!

Answer 10

i took a bath and kept my hand up and away from water