How long after the surgical incision can I take a shower

Surgery is a treatment option that many people need. Of course, surgery will inevitably leave some wounds. If there are wounds, they need to be cared for to prevent inflammation and ensure that the wounds can recover as soon as possible. You are not allowed to take a bath during the wound recovery period. So, how long after surgery can you take a shower? The following will introduce relevant knowledge to you!

1. Why can’t you take a bath in the early period after surgery?

The reason why you cannot take a bath in the early period after surgery is not because you are afraid that water will touch the surgical incision and cause pain, but because you are afraid that bathing will contaminate the surgical incision, affect healing, and even cause infection, which is what people often call "wound inflammation."

During the healing process, surgical incisions must be disinfected and dressed regularly in order to provide a sterile, dry environment for the incision to grow. When the incision has not yet completely healed, the subcutaneous tissue and epidermis of the incision are connected. If the incision becomes wet at this time, bacteria and contaminants from the epidermis may be brought into the subcutaneous tissue, affecting wound healing. Therefore, before the wound heals, the surgical incision must be disinfected and dressed regularly.

2. How long does it usually take before you can start taking a shower?

If the recovery goes smoothly, the stitches for surgical incisions on the face and neck can be removed in 4-5 days, those for surgical incisions on the lower abdomen and perineum can be removed in 6-7 days, those for surgical incisions on the chest, upper abdomen, back and buttocks can be removed in 7-9 days, and those for surgical incisions on the limbs can be removed in 10-12 days.

Generally, you can take a shower two or three days after the stitches are completely removed, but if you can avoid the local surgical incision, it is fine to take a shower.

In terms of the healing of the surgical incision, if there is no pus or secretion, no redness or swelling, and the epidermis is scabbed and itchy, then we can basically judge that the surgical incision has healed well. At this time, the stitches have usually been removed, the epidermis has grown together, and it has the ability to resist water and bacteria completely, so there is no need to worry about contamination.

After the stitches are removed, it is usually recommended to keep the surgical incision dry for two or three days for safety reasons. If there is no abnormality in the wound, it is okay to get it wet or take a bath. In other words, you can take a bath without having to keep it dry. There is no need for disinfection anymore, and even Band-Aids, gauze, etc. are not needed.

3. How to protect the wound when taking a bath?

After removing the stitches, there are still a few small needle holes, and the patient may still be somewhat worried. How should he protect the wound when taking a bath?

After the stitches are removed and the wound heals, it is fine to take a normal shower. Gentle scrubbing or rinsing will do. Just don't use too much water directly on the wound, and be careful to avoid pulling the wound. After washing, wipe or blot dry with a soft, clean towel, avoiding vigorous rubbing.

You can put on clothes directly after taking a shower. If the clothes are really uncomfortable because of scratches, you can cover them with gauze. This is not to prevent infection.