Q: Water got on my stitched wound on the sole of my foot. What should I do?
- Myeongchan Kim
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
Last Tuesday, I got two stitches on the sole of my foot. I just took my first shower since the procedure, but the waterproof bandage came off and the wound got wet. The doctor told me to keep it dry, so I am very worried and regret not being more careful. I only have hydrogen peroxide and ethanol at home. Should I just rinse it with sterile saline and apply an antibiotic ointment like mupirocin? What is the best way to handle this?
Answer:
Since your stitches were placed on Tuesday, it has been about five days. It is completely understandable that you are worried! Fortunately, after five days, the wound healing process has progressed significantly, so a brief exposure to water is generally not a major problem.
Here is what you should do right now:
Rinse with sterile saline: You have the right idea! Gently rinse the area with sterile saline.
Dry carefully: Gently pat the area dry using clean, sterile gauze to absorb all moisture.
Apply ointment: Once the wound is completely dry, apply a thin layer of your mupirocin antibiotic ointment.
Protect the wound: Cover it with a new waterproof bandage or sterile gauze.
Things to avoid:
Do not use hydrogen peroxide or ethanol: These harsh antiseptics can damage the newly forming tissue and delay healing.
Do not rub or scrub: This can irritate the stitched area or cause the wound to open up.
When to visit a doctor:
Please visit a clinic or consult your doctor for an in-person evaluation if you notice any of the following signs:
Increasing swelling or redness around the wound.
Pus or a foul odor coming from the stitches.
The stitched wound starts to separate or open.
You develop a fever or experience severe, worsening pain.
By day five, your wound has likely healed quite a bit. Keep it clean and manage it as directed above, and it should be fine. Check the wound again tomorrow, and if there are no signs of inflammation or infection, you can rest assured!
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
