We do not normally wish to pay any attention to things that we count as unimportant. As a result, it is normal for someone to think that accidents or nasty things happen to others, and not to himself. While we often hear of accidents involving others, and even friends and relatives, we do not even pause to think that accidents can happen to our own selves. We do not spend time to learn of ways and techniques to provide care for ourselves, to be able to know how to care for our wounds, or our injuries.

Some 3 years ago, it struck home...and in a hard way when I found myself totally unprepared and wanting, because I do not even know the very basic of how to care for sutures. One fine day, my son was diagnosed as having a serious blood disorder, and needing to have a Portman line inserted through the upper arm into the heart, and there was a wound to take care of. More recently, a sister have to had a wide incision on the left breast, and needing care for the wound with the sutures.

So how do we take good care of our sutures after we have a wound cleaned up or after surgery?

Here are 8 simple ways that we should know in order to be able to provide the best care for our sutures:

1. The first 24 hours are the most important time period to keep sutures/staples dry and the bandage intact.

2. After the first 24 hours, you may remove the bandage, and clean the wound by allowing clean soapy water to run over the wound. Pat dry gently and DO NOT rub the wound.

3. Having washed the wound, you may dress the wound up with some antibiotic ointment. It is good to rebandage the wound with a clean new bandage.

4. Never let the wound soak in water.

5. Never leave any wounds to get dirty and introduce infection.

6. If there is a preference to air the wound, it is allowable to leave the wound open, but always ensure no dirt get into the wound or come into contact with the wound.

7. Watch for signs of infection such as swelling, pain, or drainage. If any of these signs develop, see your doctor.

8. To remove the sutures, follow up with your medical appointments.

These 8 simple guidelines will go a long way to help you provide care for anyone with sutures, or even to your own self.

Like in anything that is unpleasant, it may take an accident where there is injury for you to put your skills and knowledge to work. But again, it is always important to be prepared before any untoward incident occurs, necessitating this important care and knowledge.