CLEANING incision/scars...

[star9151]

I know theres a post about what people put on their scars, and iv been putting neosporin cuz thats what my doctor said to do since my incisions are not healing as fast as they should be and one is still open.

ANYWAYS, what do you guys clean the incisions with? (Take into consideration my left side is not fully closed yet, its stitched up but im still bleeding a little. long story.)

I heard someone say hydrogen peroxide, but i just called my doctors and the secretary girl said no, to just let the water run down in the shower with my back facing the water. Which to me doesnt sound like its gnna clean me. Or is the neosportin already enuff?

Im not a good writer. lol. I take forever to say what im trying to say.

[Blue Eyed Floozy]

I had to go back and get restitched on one crease incision. My PS instructed me to clean the area with Dial Antibacterial soap, rinse, and pat dry. His original instructions included the Dial soap, so it wasn't any different. He did not mention using neosporin to me.

Maybe you can call to ask about antibacterial soap? I don't know if I'd go ahead and use it just because that's what my PS recommended. Only you and your PS know what's best for your incisions.

Good luck, I hope you heal quickly!

[Yummy Girl]

My PS recommends soap and water in the shower and then Aquaphor (you can find it in the baby aisle at a drugstore) to help soften the stitches. The incision on my right side is still not completely closed because my body had a horrible reaction to the "dissolvable" stitches. Luckily, I don't show any signs of an infection so my PS told me I didn't need antibiotic ointment anymore (I was using Polysporin after surgery). She's convinced it will close in the next two weeks. I sure hope so ...

[josie1975]

I was instructed by my ps to lube up the incision with vaseline or neosporin before getting in the shower. It is not the water that will irritate the incision, but the soap. This way it will block out the soap. When you get out, pat dry the incision. Then I used 3:1 hydrogen peroxide (basically use a small cup and put enough to fill the bottom with the hydrogen peroxide and a splash of water). Use a q-tip and dip in the cup and pat dry along the incision. Use a new q-tip when you have to dip in again. I always let it dry say while I was doing my hair. Once that was dry I would put on the a line of Neosporin across the incision, cover it will gauze and then put on my bra.

My opinion, you need the hydrogen peroxide. Why else would it be recommended to be used with Neosporin?

Look at it this way, you can't harm yourself by using both.

Take care and good luck,
Josie

[MissOhio1986]

i still feel like my incisions have a ways to go in the healing process. they still sting on the outside of my breasts, but the tummy tuck area incisions are fine.

i am using 2% antibiotic cream and put gauze over it twice daily. that seems to quell the itch beast and smooth things out.HTH

[Theycallmecarmela]

I was told to use antibacterial soap, then peroxide and neosporin. I got an infection on my crease incision as my PS told me not to use a towel, no matter how clean to dry off after showering. Told me to air dry or use a cool setting on the blow dryer. Good luck to you.

[mama_of_4]

i had always heard that hydrogen peroxide kills EVERYTHING including living cells, so it delays the healing? anyone else? my PS says to do nothing. the good old fashion way, time! no neosporin, no vit E, nothing.

[tyty]

I was told to just use antibacterial soap when in the shower and let it air dry. my PS specifically said not to use anything else because, like mama of 4 said, it kills not only the bad germs but the good germs necessary for healing as well. My advice would be just stick to whatever your PS said, because he is the professional and knows what he is talking about and what is best for you!