How are you able to keep bandages/dressings on post surgery for an extended amount of time before it can be washed/changed without getting an infection?

Question

Just had knee surgery and I’m supposed to keep this bandage and dressing on as well as not wash the leg for at least a week until my follow up.

I get that it was sterilized before be operated on and washing too soon could cause infections to the incisions but I don’t understand how leaving the same bandage on without cleaning it doesn’t cause infection.

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Right now that bandage is a shield. It’s acting like your skin in the sense that it’s keeping all the gross things outside.

Medical bandages are woven tighter, and have a denser glue that holds it together. This prevents dirt and bacteria from being absorbed. They’ll also usually have a layer of antibiotics underneath, so they’re not accidentally trapping anything when it’s first put on.

As soon as they’re wet though, that can introduce bacteria. That’s why it’s important not to wash it.

Source- have had multiple surgeries, dad’s a doctor, this is how it was explained to me. Call me out if any of this is wrong.