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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Will My Stitches Heal Properly If I Keep On Removing Gauze Pad?

I just removed my gauze pad on my stitches and it looked like it bled (stitches), not sure if the wound opened up but I quickly put an anti-bacterial ointment my doctor gave me and then quickly covered with a new gauze pad. My doctor advised me to put the ointment three times a day (my second time just earlier) and I'm scared that if I take my gauze pad all the time my stitches wont heal properly and bleed (like earlier). Should I go see a doctor or nurse to have it checked? Thanks. I have stitches on my forehead (laceration)
Wed, 11 Dec 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to HCM,
Usually on stitched wound, we make sure that bleeding has stopped and wound stitched well. Then we put tight pressure dressing, so that if there is any ooze, it compresses the vessels, and contol bleeding. We advise to come after 48 hours, to check for the bleeding, rule out infections, apply good antibiotic ointment,and do proper dressing . We call the patient after 7 days to remove stitches, or if it is absorbable stitches, then we just make sure that wound has healed well. There is no need to put Antibiotic ointments and change dressing three times in a day. it is definitely going to hamper in healing, and more chances of bleeding and infections. I would suggest you to go back to the Doctor and request him or her to check again and give you proper instructions.
Dr H Hamdani
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Will My Stitches Heal Properly If I Keep On Removing Gauze Pad?

Hi, Welcome to HCM, Usually on stitched wound, we make sure that bleeding has stopped and wound stitched well. Then we put tight pressure dressing, so that if there is any ooze, it compresses the vessels, and contol bleeding. We advise to come after 48 hours, to check for the bleeding, rule out infections, apply good antibiotic ointment,and do proper dressing . We call the patient after 7 days to remove stitches, or if it is absorbable stitches, then we just make sure that wound has healed well. There is no need to put Antibiotic ointments and change dressing three times in a day. it is definitely going to hamper in healing, and more chances of bleeding and infections. I would suggest you to go back to the Doctor and request him or her to check again and give you proper instructions. Dr H Hamdani