
When a patient has a skin lesion removed, taking care of the resulting wound is critical. With the proper care, the skin can heal fully and leave very little scarring.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best practices for taking care of the skin after lesion removal. We’ll discuss how to handle wounds with stitches, wounds that are left open, and the most common timeframe for healing.
Caring for a skin lesion wound that features stitches
Most commonly, a skin lesion wound will be sealed with common stitches after the procedure. These stitches will need to be removed after the healing is complete. In the meantime, it’s vital for patients to take good care of their skin. Here are a few tips:
- Cover the area for 1 to 2 days: After the stitches have been inserted, the skin will be at its weakest. Don’t change dressings over the wound for the first 24 to 48 hours or there is a high risk of skin damage and the need for replacement stitches.
- After 2 days, gently wash with soap and pat dry: Once the skin has had a chance to begin healing, you can remove the initial bandage and carefully wash it with soap and water. Pat the area dry to avoid any chance of tearing the skin.
- If prescribed, cover the wound with petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment: Before applying a new dressing, your doctor may recommend applying treatment to the wound. petroleum jelly and antibiotic ointments are common skincare medicines that can help speed the healing process.
- Cover the wound with a new bandage: Carefully cover the wound once again with a brand-new, sanitary bandage. Secure it in place with Hy-Tape to ensure a tight, waterproof hold.
- Clean the wound once or twice daily: Clean and recover the wound as above once or twice a day until fully healed. Regular cleaning of the wound will help keep out contaminants and assist the healing process.
- See your doctor for removal of the stitches: Depending on the severity of the wound, you may have the stitches removed anywhere from one week to one month after the procedure. Talk to your doctor to ensure you have an appointment set up.
Wounds that feature stitches can be easily managed with the right care. Using clean bandages, gentle soap, and Hy-Tape to secure the dressings will help ensure a complete recovery.
Caring for a skin lesion wound that is left open
Large wounds may need to be kept open rather than stitched together. In these instances, proper wound care is even more essential. Be sure to consider the following when taking care of an open wound after surgery:
- Ensure the wound is always covered: Never remove the bandage for too long, as the unprotected wound is very susceptible to infection and bleeding. Keeping the wound covered as often as possible is essential to the healing process.
- Clean the wound once or twice a day: Slowly remove the bandage and wash the wound with gentle soap and water. Do not use skin cleansers, alcohol, peroxide, iodine, or antibacterial soap. Pat the skin dry to avoid any unnecessary friction.
- Fully cover the dry wound when done washing: Ensure that you apply a thick, durable bandage, covering every bit of the wound. Secure the bandage with Hy-Tape to avoid the chance of water or other contaminants entering under the bandage.
Open-wound healing can be tough due to the volatile nature of the wound. However, with the right procedures, you can keep your wound clean and safe. Make sure to use high-grade bandaging and Hy-Tape to secure the bandage in place. Also, be sure to consult your doctor for any specific treatments you should add to your routine.
A common timeline for skin lesion wound healing
Oftentimes, your doctor will provide you with a specific timeline for your wound care and healing process. In general, a wound healing timeline will look like this:
- Week 1: Carefully wash the wound and apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment daily.
- Week 2: Apply petroleum jelly 3 to 4 times daily and massage the skin.
- Week 3 – 3 Months: Apply a silicone gel or sheet to the skin for 12 hours a day to reduce scarring.
Your doctor may recommend other treatments as well, but this timeline is a basic framework for what to expect after skin lesion removal.
Keep your bandage in place with Hy-Tape
One of the most important parts of taking care of a skin lesion wound is securing the bandage. Hy-Tape allows for a tight seal around the edges of any bandage, keeping water and bacteria out. It’s also very flexible, making it easy for the patient to move freely without pinching or cutting. When removed, Hy-Tape peels away easily due to its zinc-oxide formula that protects the skin from damage.
Whether you have to protect a small wound or a major one, use Hy-Tape to keep it clean and safe. Contact us today to learn more about our products or to place an order.
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