26 Hours For A Dressing To Be Removed Over Stitches?

[UncleOfAsa]

Good afternoon.

I have 4 stitches in my hand due to a laceration. I had it done 26 hours ago. The anaesthetist only gave me 2 dressings (1 after the surgery and 1 spare). He did not say how long to keep it on for and I didn't think to ask as I was trying to absorb all of the information and always find medical procedures stressful. After 26 hours, the second dressing came off and it doesn't look like I will be able to get a spare from where I am today.

I looked up and it says on one hospital website 2 days but it didn't say for what size of laceration/how many stitches. I have 4 stitches and a laceration around 1.5cm deep and spanning 2.7 inches length ways.

I just wanted a second opinion really, probably sub - consciously some reassurance. It looks to be tightly sealed. I'm tempted to wrap a carry bag over it like a glove but worried it might make my hand perspirate which I think can cause an infection if sweat gets in. Please feel free to comment your thoughts. Thank you.

Pop to your local pharmacy. The pharmacist will be able to advise you if it needs another dressing and will be able to sell you something suitable.

Go to a big pharmacy and buy dressings. They might not be the best ones but will do till you get more from GP/hospital. But it could be fine to just stop using them after two or three days if that's what was advised.

It's not very red or inflamed or very sore is it? If not it's healing normally so don't worry.

I wouldn't use plastic it doesn't breath. I expect you have to keep it dry so put a bag or something over if you have a shower. Failing anything else I would use a few layers of clean kitchen paper over the wound and use tape to hold it in place, just to help protect from bangs and dirt. But if you can get something proper from the chemist do that, and make sure to watch for any signs of infection.

Thank you for all of the replies. Here is a picture.

You can get breathable graze dressings from your local supermarket that will keep it clean for the next couple of days until it scabs over and wont need covering.