CARE OF YOUR EXCISION OR ED&C SITE
Wound care for excisions site with steri-strips:
Your excision site is covered with 2 layers: 1) steri-strips which are glued to the skin, and 2) an outer
pressure bandage consisting of gauze and adhesive tape. Leave the pressure bandage (which is on
top of the steri-strips) in place and dry overnight, then remove the next morning. DO NOT REMOVE
THE STERI-STRIPS. At this point the steri-strips may get wet, and you can shower or bathe
normally. No antibiotic ointment is needed, as the wound is covered by the steri-strips. Typically the
steri-strips remain on until you return to the office to have your sutures removed, but if they peel off
sooner, a bandage may be worn over the surgical site if desired. If you do not have external sutures
and do not need to return to the office, leave the strips in place until they peel off, which is typically in
10-14 days. Once they peel off, no additional covering or care is needed.
Wound care for ed&c sites:
Skin cancers treated by ed&c (electrodessication and curettage) heal from the inside out, similarly to
a skinned knee. Wash the site twice daily with soap and water. After washing, apply Vaseline or
Polysporin to the area. Keep the area covered with a bandage for the first 3-4 days. After that, a
bandage is not needed, but can be worn if desired. The site will scab over and heal within several
weeks.
For pain relief, you may take Tylenol or Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin. If pain is severe, these
can be alternated such that you take a dose of Tylenol followed by a dose of Ibuprofen 4 hours later,
followed by another dose of Tylenol 4 hours after that. Follow the directions on the bottle for correct
dosage. Do not exceed dosage recommendations on the bottle.
If you have any pus, excessive tenderness, swelling, fevers, or chills, please call our office at
336-940-2407.
