Health Topics

• Keep the area clean and dry for the first 48 hours
• Leave any bandages intact for the first 48 hours
• If there is no bandage, apply a thin coat of antibiotic ointment

• After the second day, clean the area twice daily with an antibacterial soap
• If there are crusts right around the stitches, they can be removed by gently cleaning with soap and water

After the Stitches are Removed

Apply moisturizer twice daily until the skin returns to its normal color.

Scar Massage

The body heals wounds by laying down new proteins. The healing area is a ridge that can be felt along the site of the cut. Massage can help this smooth out to a flat surface.

Using a thick moisturizer (cocoa butter, vitamin E, shortening), rub the wound for 5-10 minutes twice daily. You must use enough pressure to change the color of the cut from pink to pale. Benefits from massage last until all the pink is gone from the wound. Wait for 3 weeks after the cut is repaired before massaging.

Sun Protection

Any fresh scar (one that is still pink) can get sun burned, even in dark skinned people. Once a scar gets burned or tanned, it will not fade back to its normal color and a dark spot will always be present. It is best to avoid sun on a fresh wound. Clothing with long sleeves, full length pants and hats provide good sun protection. If the wound is not covered by clothing, it should be covered with sun block. The zinc and titanium oxide based sun blocks (which are waterproof) work the best, but any sun block with SPF of 15 or greater will work if applied often.