when can i unwrap Stitches and shower?

bikemanokc,

It is usually recommended that the stitches or staple not get wet. Since the suture material violates the skin and goes into the subcutaneous tissues, they can be a conduit for water to carry bacteria into the lower tissues.

So, it is usually recommended that the wound be covered while showering while the sutures are still in place. Then the wound should be cleaned using cotton tipped applicators using sterile water and hydrogen peroxide, then covered with a small dry dressing.


However, you can contact your surgeon and ask. Rarely, but there are some cases where the surgeon will allow the patient to shower with the stitches still in, AS LONG AS the water does not run directly on the incision. And definitely, NO SOAKING.

But, again, this is up to the surgeon. You should follow the instructions that were given to you when you left the facility.



Now, once the sutures, stitches, or staples are removed and a couple of days have gone by, to allow the holes to fill in, they you can wash the incision, but not too roughly.

Good luck.