[First Aid Tips] Issue 30 - What should you pay attention to after wound suture?

In the hospital where I work, most of the patients admitted are trauma and orthopedic patients. More than 95% of them need surgery after hospitalization. There will be wounds on the body surface after the surgery. Some friends often ask me, "I had surgery in your hospital and now I'm discharged. The stitches on my wounds haven't been removed yet. What should I pay attention to?" In response to this question, let's talk about the precautions after wound suture?

1. After the wound is sutured, please keep it dry and avoid getting it wet or dirty (i.e. do not let it touch water). If the wound is wet, please remove the wet gauze as soon as possible and cover it with sterile gauze. If you do not know how to change the dressing by yourself, please go to the nearest hospital for a dressing change.

2. If the wound is large or complicated, please follow the doctor's instructions, have follow-up examinations on time, and return to the hospital for dressing changes on time.

3. Please take the medicine as directed by your doctor and avoid infection.

4. Eat a light diet and avoid irritating foods such as tobacco, alcohol, and chili peppers. Eat more high-protein, high-vitamin C foods to promote wound healing.

5. Avoid sun exposure and sweating.

6. If you have any of the following conditions, please return to the hospital immediately for further examination and treatment:

(1) Fever and chills;

(2) The wound becomes red, swollen, hot and painful;

(3) The wound is bleeding, has excessive fluid exudation, or has pus discharge;

7. Whether the wound can be sutured or not should be checked regularly according to the doctor's instructions. Generally speaking, the suture removal time follows the rule: 5-7 days for the head, face, neck, and perineum; 12-14 days for the distal limbs; 7 days for the abdomen, and 10 days for the rest of the trunk.