The first two examples are absorbable and the others must be removed. Fine suture material and minimal tightening limit any additional tissue damage, inflammation and scarring. Sometimes sutures may be removed after only a few days to minimize scarring due to the proliferation of epithelial cells along the suture tracts. A tetanus toxiod booster injection may be indicated for certain wounds dependent on the patient's immunization record. Dressings Sterile dressings should be applied to keep a fresh wound clean.
Sterile dressings come in various sizes from simple gauze pads to adhesive bandages.
After drainage has stopped, there is no need for a dressing. Antibacterial ointments may be applied to limit surface bacterial growth and prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound. Topical antibiotics containing multiple antibiotics such as bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin B in fixed dosages offer several advantages including broad coverage for infections due to undetermined pathogens and delayed microbial resistance to any one antibiotic. Wounds may be cleansed with hydrogen peroxide several times daily before the reapplication of ointment. Good wound care will minimize the inflammatory response, speed healing and minimize scarring.