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Wound Care
- Keep wound clean and dry.
- Change the dressing after the first 24 hours. Wounds that are sutured should be kept clean and dry for the first 72 hours. You may take a shower after the 72 hours (3 days), gently washing the sutured area with soap and water.
- Wounds can be kept uncovered unless they are exposed to chemicals or dirt. Keep the wound moistened with the antibiotic ointment to aid healing and reduce scarring. If a scab builds up around the sutures, gently clean with a Q-tip soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Then apply the ointment to the area.
- Notify St. Joseph’s Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic of the following:
- Fever over 101°
- Increasing redness or swelling around the wound
- Persistent blood soaking through the dressing
- Pus in or around the wound
- If there are any questions or concerns, please contact St. Joseph’s Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at (208)777-1320.
- Sutures should be removed in the clinic in 7 to 10 days. Leaving sutures in much longer than this can lead to increased scarring and infection.
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St. Joseph's Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic • Thomas R. deTar, MD • M. Erik Gilbert, MD
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