You have been treated for a wound. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid your recovery.
Because there are different types of wounds, we have different ways of treating them.
wound closure strips
These can be taken off in 5–7 days. You should dampen the strips for about 10 minutes and carefully peel them off the wound, taking care not to pull unduly on the wound’s edges.
Sutures/stitches
- Stitches have been put in your wound to repair it.
- Some stitches dissolve by themselves and don’t need to be removed; you will have been told if this is the case
- Unless you have been specifically asked to re-attend, we do not routinely remove stitches in the Emergency Department
- If your stitches do need to be removed, please arrange to see the Practice Nurse, based at your GP’s surgery
- Make an appointment to see your Practice Nurse in a few days time to have the wound assessed. The nurse will decide when the stitches can be removed
- It is best to keep the wound area elevated for at least the next 2 days to reduce swelling and improve healing – you may have been given a sling to do this
- If you have a scalp wound, you may gently wash your hair and dry it carefully, preferably with a hairdryer
- A dressing should be kept dry. If it becomes soiled or wet, remove it and replace it with a dry one, or see the Practice Nurse sooner
- Take appropriate analgesia. We can give you advice on this if you are unsure
Tissue adhesive – Glue
Frequently asked questions
What is tissue glue?
Tissue glue is special medical skin glue, designed especially for use on certain types of skin cuts.
Is tissue glue as strong as stitching?
Yes. Tissue glue is an effective closure for certain types of skin cuts which we may otherwise have stitched.
Is tissue glue absorbed into the skin?
No. A scab will form on the wound which will fall away after several days. Do not pick at the wound.
Can I bathe, shower or go swimming?
The treated wound should be kept dry for 5 days after application. Subsequently, care should be taken when involved in these activities and particularly when drying-off afterwards.
Will I need to return for a follow-up consultation?
Usually not, the doctor or nurse treating you will advise you about this and answer any further questions you may have.
Will there be a scar?
Tissue glue provides an excellent opportunity for an optimal cosmetic effect with a reduction in scarring.
Caring for Your Wound
- Keep the wound clean and dry for 5 days
- If you have a wound dressing, keep it in place for 5 days
- Avoid scratching or picking the wound
- Don’t cover the wound with anything waterproof unless the doctor or nurse tells you to – this can cause the wound to go soggy and is more likely to become infected
- The tissue glue will simply dry and flake off
- In the unlikely event of the wound re-opening, do not worry, just return to your doctor or Emergency Department
- If you have any worries or the wound is painful or inflamed, consult your doctor’s surgery. It should not be necessary to re-attend the Emergency Department
Please Remember
It might take 6 months or more for the redness of the scar to fade.
Attend your GP surgery or return to the Emergency Department if:
- The wound gives off an offensive smell
- The wound becomes more painful
- Swelling or redness develops
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