Editing Wound healing (section)

== Management of clean surgical wounds ==

* Fibrin layer forms within the first few days, especially if subcuticular suture is used (takes a bit longer with staples)
* Dry gauze on top is only necessary for about three days; after that, can be uncovered, or dry gauze at most (opsite)
* Can bathe/shower (in clean water) after five days
* A red area of a surgical wound does not mean cellulitis - it means pus that needs to be drained. Drain it locally by removing a few sutures or staples and then continue to observe it. If the cavity probes elsewhere, may need to open further.
* Only give antibiotics if there is severe cellulitis or fascia is involved
* Wound swabs are generally unnecessary, unless the wound is becoming problematic and MRSA may be involved