Suture Care for a normal sutured wound

• Can get wound wet (e.g., bathing or swimming) after 24 hours.
• Apply antibiotic ointment 3 times a day (Reason: to prevent infection and a thick scab).
• Cleanse with warm water once daily or if it becomes soiled.
• Change wound dressing when wet or soiled.
• Dressing no longer needed when edge of wound closed (usually 48 hours)
• EXCEPTION: dressing needed to prevent sutures from catching on clothing.