How often do suture bandages change to prevent infection?

Usually, after having surgery, there will be a bandage covering your stitches. Changing a suture wound dressing is one of the things that you should pay attention to so that the scar does not become infected. For that, you need to understand what to do before changing the bandage for stitches.

How often should suture bandages be changed?

In addition to covering the scar, the bandage that the doctor gives you after your surgery is used to keep the stitch marks dry and avoid dirt.

As reported by Cleveland Clinic , The bandages on the sutures can actually be changed after 24-48 hours of the operation.

If there are enough stitches, your doctor will recommend that you change the bandage for the suture wound and clean it twice a day.

Care should be taken when changing the suture wound dressing

The suture wound dressing is used to prevent the surgery from getting dust that can cause infection. That is why, you also have an obligation to keep the area of ​​the former surgery clean.

If bacteria or germs get into the stitch marks, you are likely to have an infection. You also have to go back to the doctor to solve the infection problem.

In order to avoid infection, here are some things that must be considered when changing the suture wound dressing.

1. Wash hands

Hands that are used up holding various objects allow germs to gather. That's why washing your hands before changing the bandage for stitches is something you must do.

This process can be done repeatedly. When you start the process of changing the suture wound dressing, checking for stitch marks, applying ointment, until you open a new bandage to close it again.

In essence, make sure that your hands are completely sterile. That way, you can prevent the spread of bacteria that cause infection.

Do the same when you are helping someone change the suture bandage.

2. Remove the bandage from the stitch marks

When removing the bandage, try not to pull the bandage off the skin, but rather pull the skin away from the bandage. This aims to reduce pain in the area of ​​the stitch marks.

In addition, replacing the adhesive with paper tape is highly recommended for those of you who have reddish skin after removing the adhesive.

The paper strips may not stick tightly to your skin, but they do at least reduce the risk of skin irritation.

3. Clean the stitch marks with soap

You also need to clean the stitch marks. No need with antibacterial soap, you can simply clean the stitch marks with soap and water.

Remember, never rub the scar because you fear it could open the stitches. Pat dry with a soft, dry towel or cloth.

4. Check the seams

After you have dried the stitch marks, it is time to see if there are any signs of infection in the form of red skin at the suture area. If not, you can continue to replace the suture wound dressings.

Before that, also make sure that there are no open seams. This aims to prevent the entry of bacteria and germs even though it has been covered by a bandage. Don't forget to do it with sterile hands.

5. Change the suture scar bandage

After making sure that your hands are clean, it is time to change the bandages for the stitches.

If there is an ointment that you need to apply to the area where the stitches are located, please do so before wrapping them with a bandage.

Try to put the bandage directly on the stitch marks to avoid bacteria and germs attached.

If there is fluid such as pus or blood, you may need several layers of bandages so that the fluid does not leak and the bandage remains dry.

6. Remove the suture scar bandage

After you have successfully replaced the suture scar bandage, don't forget to remove the bandage marks that you used where they should be. This is done so that you don't get infected with fluid that comes out of the stitch marks.

It is best if you wrap the old bandage in plastic before throwing it in the trash.

7. Wash your hands

After the process of changing the suture bandage is complete, now is the time for you to wash your hands again for the last one. The goal is that you are completely free of germs and bacteria.

Changing the suture wound bandage regularly does need to be done carefully so that no new problems arise in the scar.

If you experience symptoms of infection in the area, please consult your doctor for proper treatment.