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Leave the bandage on for 48 hours after the procedure. Keep the dressing clean and dry until then. It may take 3 weeks or more for your body to form a new cover.
After 48 Hours
Clean the wound bed with tap water 1-2 times a week or as directed by your provider. Do not use soap as it can dry the wound.
Every day clean any drainage on the skin around the wound with water and a soft cloth.
Apply a large amount of Vaseline to the wound every day. Cover with an occlusive Band-Aid® or Telfa™. Do not use gauze.
Keep the wound covered when showering. Do not use blow dryers around the wound.
Gelfoam® may have been put on your wound to stop bleeding. It may come off as the wound is being cleaned. Do not force it off. If it remains on the wound, it will dissolve over time.
Bleeding
Apply direct pressure by pressing firmly over the site for 10 minutes
(timed by the clock). If bleeding has not stopped, use pressure for 10 more minutes (timed by the clock).If bleeding still has not stopped, call the clinic where you were seen or go to your local emergency room.
Reinforce, but do not remove the soiled bandage unless told to do so. You could disturb the clot.
Swelling and Bruising
This is normal but goes away in 2-3 weeks.
Sleep with your head raised on 2 pillows to reduce swelling.
If wound is on the ear, try not to sleep on that side.
Avoid bending with your head below heart level.
If told to apply ice or cold compress to reduce swelling:
Do not apply ice right on the skin. Ice should be placed in a plastic bag then wrapped in a towel and applied to the bandaged wound.
Ice should be kept on for only 15 minutes at a time.
Activities
No heavy activity for 1 week or as instructed.
No swimming, hot tubs, soaking the wound in a bath.
No lifting more than 10 pounds for 1-2 weeks or as directed.
Avoid exposing wound to dust or dirt.
Signs of Infection
Call the clinic if you have any:
Increased pain or swelling of the wound.
Pus or smelly drainage.
Fever greater than 101°F.
Increased warmth at the site.
Redness spreading out from the wound.
Pain
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you may take both Tylenol® or ibuprofen to help control your pain. We recommend:
Tylenol® 1000mg every 6-8 hours
Ibuprofen 600mg every 6 hours
You may take them together every 6-8 hours or taking one type alone and then the other type 3-4 hours later. Repeat this pattern, alternate medicines every 3-4 hours.
If prescribed a narcotic pain medicine, do not drink or drive while you are taking it. It is best to take narcotics with food to prevent nausea/vomiting. They may also cause constipation. You may use over the counter stool softeners as needed. Limit use of over-the-counter Tylenol (acetaminophen) if you are given a prescription that has acetaminophen in it.
Scarring
All wounds cause some scarring. Time improves most scars. Cover-up make up may be used after the wound has healed. Sunscreen should be used on scars after healing. Some people may develop very thick scars, or keloids, which may need extra medical care. Call our office if this occurs and we will schedule a follow up visit.
Who to Call
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Dermatology/Mohs Clinic where you were seen.
Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm
UW Health E Terrace Dr Medical Center Dermatology/Mohs Surgery
5249 E. Terrace Drive
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 265-1288, press option 4
UW Health Junction Rd Medical Center West Mohs Surgery
451 Junction Road
Madison, WI 53717
(608) 263-6226
Toll free: 1-800-323-8942
After hours, holidays and weekends, the clinic number will be answered by the paging operator. Ask for the Dermatology or Mohs Surgery doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
