Wound Care Treatment

• After careful examination and evaluation, the wound will once again be cleaned.
  
  
• The area will then be numbed with a local anesthetic. This will allow a deeper examination of the wound as well as repair without any further discomfort. You may feel pressure, but no pain.
  
  
• If the wound requires stitches, it will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution, and sterile towels or drapes placed over the area.
  
  
  • The doctor will wear sterile gloves and put in the stitches to bring the wound edges together.
    
    
  • Once this has been accomplished, the area will be washed off once again and a sterile bandage applied.
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• You will be given further instructions regarding care of the wound.
  
  
  • Generally the bandage is kept on for 2 days. You should keep it clean and dry, elevating it whenever possible to minimize swelling and pain.
    
    
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) are usually sufficient for any pain.
    
    
  • You will be told when the stitches need to be removed. Once they are removed, small tapes may be applied over the wound to lessen the stress on the healing wound and to lower the amount of scarring, especially if on the face.
    
    
  • Use a sunblock (not a sunscreen) on the area for 6 months to avoid discoloration from sun exposure.
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• Bites may not be sutured unless a large area is involved or the bite involves the face. Many of these become infected, so most doctors prefer to leave them open for daily wound care. You usually will be given antibiotics for bite wounds.
  
  
• Abrasions will be washed and scrubbed, if needed. It is important that all the dirt and debris be removed because tattooing (permanent skin discoloration) may result if this debris is left in the wound.
  
  
• Puncture wounds will require careful examination. If there is any dirt or debris in the wound, the doctor may remove this small area so that an infection does not occur.