I had a cyst removed from my chest on 2/17. One week later, I returned to my doctor for the removal of 5 stitches. Upon removal, the nurse put on one steri-strip and suggested it may stay on for 7 - 10 days and would then come off on its own. Later that same afternoon I noticed it was not put on straight and was already coming off. I called and the receptionist said that was no problem, just wash it 2X / day.
However, I am concerned that the strips came off too early. I was unable to find steri-strips at my local pharmacy. So, I purchased butterfly bandages (as the next closest item). I planned to put one of them on instead, as a precautionary measure (the incision appears to be closed).
I have two (or three) questions, first, should I continue to apply bacitracin, as I'd been doing when the stitches were still in place? If so, how long should I use it?
Second, the incision appears to be starting to scab over, which I understand may cause more scarring. Should I clean the scab with Hydrogen Peroxide (I'm afraid this may hurt), regularly clean what may be a scab with soap and water, or should I leave the scab area alone, other than washing gently with soap & water?