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Can I take a shower after suture removal following appendectomy?

Oct 31, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, whether you can take a shower after suture removal following appendectomy depends on the specific healing condition of the wound. If any abnormalities occur, it is advisable to consult a doctor promptly. In daily care, opt for a shower instead of a bath to avoid soaking the wound for prolonged periods. Limit shower time to 10–15 minutes and maintain water temperature between 38–40°C.

Generally, whether one can take a shower after suture removal following appendectomy depends on the specific healing condition of the wound. If any abnormalities occur, it is advisable to consult a doctor promptly. The details are as follows:

After suture removal from an appendectomy, if there is no redness, swelling, discharge, pain, or other abnormalities at the wound site, and the wound has healed well with at least 24 hours having passed since suture removal, taking a brief shower is acceptable. At this stage, the skin surface of the wound has mostly closed, and a short淋浴 (shower) is unlikely to cause infection. Bathing in warm water helps cleanse the body, remove sweat, relieve postoperative fatigue, and maintain physical comfort. However, avoid rubbing the wound area vigorously to prevent reopening of the wound.

If the wound still shows redness, swelling, discharge, pain, or signs of poor healing such as dehiscence after suture removal, bathing should be postponed. At this point, the wound has not fully closed, and exposure to water may promote bacterial growth, potentially worsening infection. It is important to keep the wound dry and clean until complete healing occurs and all abnormal symptoms have resolved before attempting to bathe.

In daily care, opt for a shower rather than a bath to minimize prolonged soaking of the wound. Limit shower time to 10–15 minutes and maintain water temperature between 38–40°C to avoid stimulating the body with excessively cold or hot water. After showering, gently pat the area around the wound dry with a clean towel. If increased discharge or worsening redness and swelling are observed, seek medical attention immediately.

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