Wound Check, No Infection

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.

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. 

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