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Question:

Should I take off the sheet of plastic from surgery last week?

I had a pilonidal cyst removed from my natal cleft (aka butt crack) last Tuesday, and to reduce the risk of infection, the surgeon used surgical glue to close the wound's exterior, and a sheet of super-sticky surgical plastic to keep my cheeks together and provide another layer of protection from infection.Well, it started peeling up a bit at the top and bottom and letting some air get to the would, so I peeled off a little bit and trimmed it off (with help, lol). I went as far as I dared to, but I just hit a part where it hurt. I'm concerned about infection getting to the spots where air had already made it in, but I also don't want to open the wound.I don't have an appointment with my surgeon until Thursday- do you think it would be okay to wait for him to remove it, or should I just use some Vaseline to take the rest of it off now?

Answer:

wait until you see the surgeon. Let him remove the bandage. If you are concerned with the tape coming off and air getting in, call his office and talk to the nurse. She will advise you on what to do.
Put some antibiotic ointment on it (neosporin etc). That will not only kill any bacteria that might be trying to get into the wound, but it will also loosen the stickiness of the tape, so that it comes off easily on its own without further injury. Put the ointment, then leave it alone until the doc sees it.

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