Hi, 8 days after bi lateral lumpectomy and SN, slight infection on one side, fluid drawn off and antibiotics given.
What is the best way/product to keep wound clean and encourage healing please? I’ve also heard of honey being used, any thoughts please? Thanks
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Hi dulsiedo
Thanks for you for your post asking about the best way, or what product to use to keep your wound clean and encourage healing, following a bi lateral lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
An infection can occur after breast surgery and can be treated with antibiotics, which you mention you are now taking. It is always best to follow any advice and guidance from your treatment team about wound care following breast surgery.
You don’t mention whether your dressing is still on but if it is, the area should be kept dry until the dressing is removed. When the dressing is off and the wound has started to heal, you can keep the wound clean by showering and patting it dry. It can be helpful not to use any perfumed soaps or deodorant on or around the wound until it has completely healed. It usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks for skin to heal and around 10 weeks for any internal stitches to dissolve after surgery. Although, this is can vary for each individual.
You mention you have heard of honey being used. We were not sure if you meant directly to the wound. This is not usually recommended but do talk to your treatment team about this. However, wound healing can be aided by eating a healthy well balanced diet rich in protein.
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Teresa
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