Rajesh Kumar Rajesh Kumar Asked 5 months ago

What not to do after skin cancer surgery?

My uncle recently had skin cancer surgery, and he's a bit confused about the recovery process. The doctor gave some instructions, but I just wanted to check if there are any common things people should strictly avoid after this type of operation for a good recovery?

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10 answers

Rohan Gupta Rohan Gupta Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago
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I'm barely awake right now, but please do not scratch or pick at the scabs on your stitches! It might feel super itchy, but picking at it will just leave a terrible scar. Just leave it alone and go get some sleep like I need to.

Vikram Malhotra Vikram Malhotra Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

My father had this done at Max Hospital. The surgeon strictly advised not to expose the surgical wound to direct sunlight and never to submerge it in water like a pool or bathtub. Please follow your hospital's specific wound-care sheet very carefully.

Sunita Deshmukh Sunita Deshmukh Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

Do not ignore any signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, oozing, or a sudden fever. If the bandage gets soaked in blood, don't try to manage it at home. Contact your surgical clinic or visit the emergency room immediately for a checkup.

Aditya Roy Aditya Roy Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Avoid any strenuous physical activity that increases blood pressure, as this can cause bleeding at the surgical site. It is critical to follow the exact dressings and cleaning schedule your dermatologist provided. Trusting their medical expertise is the safest path to recovery.

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Siddharth Rao Siddharth Rao Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

Totally agree with keeping the wound dry. Make sure you don't apply any random cosmetic creams or makeup over the stitches until they are fully healed.

Shalini Sen Shalini Sen Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

I just had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my shoulder last month. The biggest rule is to absolutely avoid any sun exposure on that spot; use a high-SPF sunscreen and keep it covered with clothing once the wound closes. Also, do not skip your follow-up appointment to get the stitches removed.

Meera Nair Meera Nair Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Hey, take it easy for the next few days. Do not do any heavy lifting or intense workouts that could stretch or tear the stitches. Keep the area clean and covered, and don't let any dirt get near it. You will heal perfectly fine, just be patient.

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Rukmini Amma Rukmini Amma Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

My child, make sure you do not touch the wound with dirty hands. Keep your body cool, eat light home-cooked meals, and avoid going out in the harsh noon sun. Let the wound heal naturally without rushing back to heavy kitchen work or household chores.

Savitri Sharma Savitri Sharma Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

I know how uncomfortable the tight stitches can feel. While I love natural remedies, for surgical wounds, please do not use any herbal pastes. Just keep the area moist with plain petroleum jelly if your doctor approved it, and keep it completely shielded from dust.

Karan Johar Karan Johar Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Do not put any home remedies, turmeric paste, or coconut oil on the surgical site just because someone online recommended it. This was a proper surgery, and random ingredients can introduce dangerous bacteria. Stick 100% to the antibiotic ointment prescribed by your surgeon.

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