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Follow
these instructions for best healing. Your most important goal: Prevent
infection.
What supplies may be needed?
A.
Bacitracin Ointment: Antibiotic ointment is a topical antibiotic available OTC.
B.
Saline: Available at your pharmacy. Ask for a spray bottle.
C.
Gauze: Cotton gauze
D.
Bandages: If small Band-Aids do not work, try the extra large Band Aid strips.
Brief Routine
:
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Twice a day: Pour or spray Saline onto the wound.
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Twice a day: Lightly
rub the area with a piece of Saline soaked gauze.
-
Twice a day: After
the Saline, apply the antibiotic ointment liberally to the site.
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Twice a day: Cover
with a new bandage if you desire a bandage.
-
It's best to keep the
wound continuously moist with antibiotic ointment.
-
If your wound has
sutures, please do not bump or injure the wound. Injured wounds can break open!
Also, "dissolving" sutures do not dissolve in everyone.
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More severe wounds or
sutured wounds should not be exposed to excessive water. Do not take a bath. Do
not go swimming. Excess water inhibits proper healing.
-
You may shower if you
protect the wound by covering it with a thin film of antibiotic ointment and a
bandage. Change the bandage and ointment after the shower
Tips:
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After cleaning, apply
the antibiotic ointment. Apply the antibiotic ointment as often as needed to
prevent excessive dryness or a hard scab from forming. By preventing a hard
scab, there may be less of a scar. A bandage may be used during the day to keep
the antibiotic ointment in place. If you are allergic to Band Aids, please use
paper tape.
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Bleeding may occur. Do not be alarmed. If bleeding occurs take a dry cloth and apply firm, hard, steady pressure for twenty
minutes. If this does not help, please call.
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A
small amount of redness and drainage is expected as new blood vessels increase
to promote healing. The signs of infection include: Persistent swelling,
persistent pain, excessive redness, excessive heat, and drainage. If you are
concerned about healing, please call 951-672-7673. Remember, healing takes time
and patience!
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