After the surgery, one of the most important things to be cautious about is preventing infections. Infections can slow the healing process, making you uncomfortable, increasing medication and dressings etc and in some cases, can create complications. There are many small precautions that you can take to prevent infections and improve the speed of recovery. According to the expert doctors and surgeons of Zoi Hospitals, here is what you should do.

1. Hand washing is crucial

The most important thing to keep in mind is to wash your hands frequently and properly. The right way to wash hands is like how they do it in the hospitals – using anti-bacterial soap, lukewarm water, and washing for 30 seconds. Hand wash is the first action of defence against infections. Wash your hands after you go to the bathroom, after you cough or sneeze into them, after doing any outdoor activity, and whenever they look dirty. In case you’re stuck in a situation where there is no means for you to wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer. The most microbe-laden objects we handle without being aware of the risk, are currency notes/coins and telephones.

2. Take your antibiotics as per the prescription

Antibiotics prevent infections, so be sure to take them as advised by the doctor. You may feel like dismissing them if they upset your stomach, or if you feel like you’re cured, but it is crucial that you finish the entire prescription as advised by the doctor to stay infection free. According to expert doctors and surgeons at Zoi Hospitals, quitting antibiotics too soon may put you at risk of developing a strain of infection which will be resistant to that antibiotic, which means that you can be sicker after not finishing the antibiotic course than you were before you took it.

3. Your wound should be clean & dry

We can’t stress enough on how important keeping the wound clean and dry is. Regular dressing changing with aseptic precautions as per doctor instructions is important.

4. Quit smoking now

Smoking has many adverse effects, and this is one of them. Smoking makes a person more prone to infections during the recovery period after the surgery. Additionally, smokers have scarring and heal slower. The slower the wound closes, the higher your chances are to catch an infection. In fact, scarring is so worse in smokers that plastic surgeons test for nicotine prior to surgery.

5. Resist the urge to use ointments

While it may feel soothing to use ointments and lotions on the wound, it’s always a good thing to not apply anything that your doctor has not recommended. Many ointments keep the skin moist and create an ideal environment for the germs to grow. Avoid using creams, ointments, lotions, and harsh soaps on the wound. They can cause irritation and dryness which lead to infections.

Always remember before taking any action, consult a doctor or a surgeon for their advice.
Zoi Hospitals has a team of expert doctors and surgeons who will guide you throughout the surgical and recovery process. With their experience and treatment, they will make sure that you recover as soon as possible. To know more about the medical departments in Zoi Hospitals, click on this link https://zoihospitals.com/