What to do with the wounds?

[Kate345]

I’m 7 day post op.. I’ve taken off my dressing, given them a wash with a tiny bit of soap and water and patterned them try my look scabby I’ve put new dressings on.. no after care instructions so I’m like I dunno! Haha

[danijonez]

From my instructions, dont put new dressings on after youve taken the one from hospital off, it can prolong healing. I cleaned mine with warm salt water using cotton buds. I still had some dried blood stuck to me for about two weeks but thats fine. As long as theyre getting air there shouldnt be any problems x

[luthien in reply to danijonez]

I was given extra dressings in my post op going home pack and the nurses said I could just get more from boots. I think they tell you to keep dressings on so any scabs don't get caught on clothing. I do agree however with that they do heal better air dried so wherever possible keep them uncovered.

I found that Colloidal Silver spray (can get it from amazon) works brilliantly as it a natural antiseptic, lasts ages too and is better than gels or creams as these break down the scab causing bleeding. If you don't have that then salt water does work too but make sure the water is boiled and cooled, use a salt that doesn't have any additives (table salt has an anti caking agent to stop it getting stuck in the tub) we have Himalayan rock salt - yes for cooking but it works the same for making salt water - and has the benefit of natural minerals to help healing.

[Boodie]

Hi there, I didnt use soap just water wash over them gently. Pat them and let the air at them to heal. I took my dressing off the day after lap and then just let the air at them .keep an eye on them.x

[JenBrown1983]

My nurse said use the shower head at your belly button and wash your belly button out with hot water. No soaps or anything which could them. After 2 weeks my stitches hadn't dissolve and had to be pulled out. Wounds got all red and inflammed. As soon as the stitches were pulled out it was a relief and all healed up great!x