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Treatment

Wound Check, No Infection

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Your wound is healing as expected. There are no signs of infection. 


Home care

Continue to care for your wound as directed.

  • Cover your wound with a bandage unless your healthcare provider tells you not to.

  • Gently clean your wound with mild soap and water when you shower. Wash the area gently. Don't scrub it,

  • Unless told otherwise, don't swim or take tub baths until your wound has healed.


Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised.

  • If you have stitches or staples, return to your provider as directed to have them removed. If they are not taken out on time, they may be harder to remove and scarring may be worse. Infection also may develop.

  • If surgical tape strips were used, you can remove them yourself if they have not fallen off in 7 to 10 days after they were applied. 


When to seek medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

  • Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

  • Symptoms of a wound infection. These include:

    • Redness or swelling around the wound gets worse

    • Warmth around the wound

    • New pain or pain gets worse

    • Red streaks around the wound

    • Draining pus

    • Foul odor coming from the wound

  • Bleeding from the wound that doesn't stop with direct pressure

  • Stitches or staples come out too soon

  • Wound opens up

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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