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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Precautions Be Taken To Keep The Stitches Away From Infection?

I just got surgery on July 6th on my head, involving the removing the extra bone on my forehead. I currently have dissolvable stitches from one ear to the other in a headband form. I recently got off antibiotics 2 days ago and was wondering how to maintain my stitches. How should I clean it and prevent it from getting an infection? Can I use peroxide to clean the stitches or should I use antibiotic ointment instead, or do I use something else? The stitches currently feel rather tight. I have had a small swelling on the left side close to the knot.
Mon, 11 May 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
I understand your concern for your health and i will try my best to solve your query.
I would like to suggest you to do daily dressing with savlon and silver sulphadiazene ointment. Also take antibiotic course for at least 5 to 7 days. Also take vitamin C tablets 2 times a day, which will help in healing process. Keep the stitched area clean and dry always.
If you find pus coming out of any of the stitches or that swelling area at any point of time, immediately go to the surgeon to drain all the pus and re dressing it and take higher antibiotics course for 7 days again. Don't worry, stitches will be dissolved within 7 to 10 days and stitched area will be healed properly.
Hope this answers your question and let me know if you have any further queries, i will be obliged to guide you properly.
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What Precautions Be Taken To Keep The Stitches Away From Infection?

Hello, I understand your concern for your health and i will try my best to solve your query. I would like to suggest you to do daily dressing with savlon and silver sulphadiazene ointment. Also take antibiotic course for at least 5 to 7 days. Also take vitamin C tablets 2 times a day, which will help in healing process. Keep the stitched area clean and dry always. If you find pus coming out of any of the stitches or that swelling area at any point of time, immediately go to the surgeon to drain all the pus and re dressing it and take higher antibiotics course for 7 days again. Don t worry, stitches will be dissolved within 7 to 10 days and stitched area will be healed properly. Hope this answers your question and let me know if you have any further queries, i will be obliged to guide you properly.