Stitches can i shower

Check with your surgeon or nurse whether you can shower or have a bath, as it may depend on the type of surgery you have had and how your wound has been closed. Some dressings are waterproof and can withstand a small amount of water for example, the spray from a shower.

If you're not sure whether your dressing is waterproof, ask a doctor or nurse if you have to avoid getting it wet. Depending on where your dressing is, you could cover the area to stop it getting wet in the bath or shower. You can also buy waterproof covers for your arm or leg so you can shower without getting them wet.

For more information, see Can I get stitches wet in the bath or shower? You should not get your plaster cast wet. Water will weaken it and the bone will not be properly supported. For more information, see How should I care for my plaster cast? If you're worried about your wound or are not sure how to care for it, contact the healthcare team at the hospital where you had the surgery, call NHS or see a GP.

This may depend on what kind of wound and dressing you have. After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. Make sure you pat the area dry afterwards. Some dressings are waterproof, so you could wet your dressing lightly — for example, with the spray from a shower.

For more information, read our common health question: Is it better to have a bath or shower after surgery? If your stitches get wet accidentally, simply dry the area immediately with a clean towel and make sure all the moisture around the stitches is soaked up. Your surgeon will best determine when it is best for you to shower after surgery as these decisions are directed to your individual circumstances, procedure type, closure technique and site of the surgery.

Depending on the type of surgery, plan on waiting anywhere between 24 to 48 hours or possibly even longer for more serious surgeries to take a shower unless your surgeon has given you specific instructions otherwise. Commercially available waterproof protectors are available, however do not use a product that adheres directly to the surgical site dressing as it may cause the dressing to become dislodged when removed.

It may also offer support if you are unsteady. Direct water under pressure to the site may cause trauma and delay healing. Rinse well. Avoid direct spray from the shower to the incision. As previously stated, taking a bath, or soaking of the incision can be too much moisture and weaken the incision site or impact any adhesives the surgeon may have used.