Can a Sutured Wound Be Washed?
Yes, sutured wounds can be washed with running tap water or sterile saline within 24-48 hours after suturing without increasing the risk of infection. 1
Early Wound Washing is Safe and Recommended
The evidence clearly supports that patients do not need to keep sutured wounds completely dry after closure. Although patients are traditionally instructed to keep wounds covered and dry after suturing, they can get wet within the first 24 to 48 hours without increasing infection risk. 1 This represents a significant shift from older, overly cautious practices.
Recommended Washing Technique
For routine wound care after suturing, use running tap water or sterile saline solution for irrigation rather than antiseptic agents like povidone-iodine. 2 The 2024 American Heart Association guidelines specifically state this is a reasonable approach, as:
- Infection rates are similar whether wounds are irrigated with tap water, boiled water, distilled water, or sterile saline 2
- There is no demonstrated benefit of wound cleansing with povidone-iodine in addition to irrigation 2
- Simple water cleansing is both effective and practical for patients at home 1
Wound Protection After Washing
After washing, cover the wound with an occlusive dressing to promote optimal healing. 2 Occlusive dressings such as film, petrolatum, hydrogel, and cellulose/collagen dressings result in better wound healing than dry dressings. 2 There is no indication that antibiotic or antibacterial dressings improve wound healing or decrease infection rates in clean sutured wounds. 2
Critical Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention
Patients must monitor for signs of infection and seek immediate medical care if any develop: 2
- Redness, swelling, or warmth extending beyond the wound edges
- Foul-smelling wound drainage
- Increased pain (rather than gradual improvement)
- Fever or systemic symptoms
When these signs appear, remove the dressing, inspect the wound, and obtain medical care promptly. 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
The most common mistake is instructing patients to keep wounds completely dry for extended periods. This outdated advice is unnecessarily restrictive and not evidence-based. Normal showering and gentle washing with tap water after the first 24-48 hours is safe and does not compromise healing. 1 However, patients should avoid soaking the wound in bathtubs or swimming pools until fully healed, as prolonged immersion differs from brief washing exposure.