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Wound Care Instructions

Taking care of a laceration or excision is important to prevent infection and allow for optimal healing. Please follow these instructions:

  • Keep the wound dry and clean. Keep a dressing (such as a Band-Aid, sterile gauze bandage) over the wound to keep out dirt. Should the wound get dirty, use 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and a cotton swab (Q-Tip) to gently clean the area.

  • Use Neosporin (triple antibiotic ointment)* and a new dressing every day to help prevent infection. *Use Bacitracin if you are allergic to any ingredients in Neosporin (such as Neomycin) [Most people are not allergic]. 

  • Signs of infection can occur. We need to be notified should this happen. The signs of infection are yellow/green discharge (pus) around the wound, surrounding (and increasing) redness, increased pain, fever or chills.  Pain and swelling at the site are not uncommon. 

  • Elevate the area, if possible, above the heart to reduce the swelling and pain. Of course, if the pain and swelling doesn't get better, notify us.

  • If sutures ("stitches") were used, don't remove them yourself. It is important for the doctor to recheck your wound and remove the sutures at the appropriate time in order to prevent increasing scarring (and infection).

As you follow these guidelines, you will improve your chances for the best recovery possible and allow you to get back to enjoying your life!!

This information is provided for educational purposes only. Please read the disclaimer. All rights reserved ©2006.  Do not reproduce without permission of the.