Stitches - How to take care of stitches?

How to take care of stitches?

I had a freak accident yesterday (with a glass owl that fell on my leg) and it left a gash on my leg that wouldn't stop bleeding! It didn't even hurt! I went to the hospital and they gave me 5 stitches total, and the doctor gave me directions..but I forgot to ask what I'm supposed to do while or after my shower! It's my first time having stitches and I'm kinda nervous about infection or what not. My questions are: Can I leave the stitches exposed in the shower? After my shower...antibiotic ointment and band-aid...or leave it uncovered...? It's really sore as well...so if you know any tricks, that would be helpful as well!! Please no mean comments..I'll report you! If you want to be funny, that is fine, I don't mind that! LOL. Thanks.

Public Comments

put hydro peroxide on it to clean the bacteria. it doesn't sting at all. it prevents infections
Call the ER and get more detailed instructions.
Glass owl falling on your leg.... that is funny! LOL. Yes you can leave the stitches exposed on the shower .... actually you might wan't to wash the area, just soap and water, and don't apply much pressure on it, just make foam out of the soap, apply and than rinse. After shower you could put Neosporin and cover it up, but be sure that is dry before covering up your lesion.
You can wash it with MILD soap and warm water, dont rub it wita a sponge or cloth. As far as drying it, let it airdry, or even usea blowdryer, if it is a place that the skin would fold over in any way, make sure it is completely dry boefore putting clothing on it
the doctor should have pescribed a medicine to put on it when out of the shower dry the body as usual but when you get to the stitches you can either not dry there because it should dry pretty fast anyway or pat dry with a towel that dooesnt have many fibers so it wont grab the stitches and pull them out. Dont leave it uncovered wrap it up
Yes you can leave your stiches exposed, but do not let the shower head directly spray the stiches. Gently clean your stiches with your finger tips any mild (preferably unscented) soap. Rinse and pat dry (don't rub). A triple anti-biotic ointment should be applied. This will help keep the area germ free, and should in turn cut down on inflamation. : )