We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Care for a Bleeding Incision?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 18,316
Share

A mildly bleeding incision may be treated by applying pressure to the area, but if the bleeding continues, the patient will likely need to go to the hospital for further treatment. Following surgery, the doctor will instruct each patient on proper care of the incision — these instructions should be carefully followed.

A profusely bleeding incision will require immediate medical attention. If the incision is not bleeding severely, the doctor will likely advise the patient to apply pressure. Otherwise, the patient should hold a piece of sterile gauze to the incision and apply pressure for a minimum of five minutes. They may then lift the gauze to check the bleeding. If it has not stopped, additional pressure should be applied.

If the bleeding persists after pressure is applied, the patient should return to the hospital. Infrequently, wound dehiscence may occur, which is the reopening of a surgical incision. If this is the cause of the bleeding, the doctor may need to suture the incision again — patients who do not receive additional sutures will need to monitor the bleeding incision carefully and change the dressing as often as needed.

The patient should always wash his hands well with an alcohol-based cleanser before and after changing the dressing on a bleeding incision. After loosening the medical tape around the dressing, he should then gently pull off the bandage and discard it in a plastic bag.

Saline solution or soapy water may be used to cleanse the area. If the skin has crusted blood and drainage on it, a sterile gauze bandage should be dipped in saline solution and used to gently wipe the skin. Another clean cloth should be used to pat the skin dry. Patients should only apply an antibiotic ointment or other medication to the incision under the direction of their doctor. A new dressing can then be placed over the incision.

Once the bleeding incision closes and begins to heal again, the patient should exercise caution to avoid reopening the wound. Activities should be limited during the recovery time, including avoiding heavy lifting, exercising, and, depending on where the incision is, frequent stair climbing and similar movements.

Incisions that have pulled apart and bled may take longer to heal. The incision area should be monitored closely as it heals, and the patient should contact his doctor immediately if he notices foul-smelling discharge or worsening discharge. Signs of a possible infection can include a fever and an incision area that becomes increasingly red, swollen, and painful.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-care-for-a-bleeding-incision.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.