Mohs surgery post stitch care, should I keep putting Vaseline on the scar after the week is over?

Question

I had mohs surgery, doctor stitched up the wound , then came back in 5 days , they removed the stitches. They told me to take off the band aid the next day and then told me for one week to cover the scar with vaseline but I did not need a band aid to cover the scar. My question is should I still keep putting vaseline on the scar, after the week is over? I don't mind doing it, it minimizes the scar a little bit, or should I stop putting vaseline on it?

Kristine Romine, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I’m
glad to hear that the area has healed. 
It has been my experience that use of Neosporin can cause an allergic
reaction as a large percentage of our population is allergic to one of its
ingredients – neomycin.  I have also
found that once scars are no longer scabby or crusty, the use of Vaseline or
Aquaphor is not required however, it is best to follow-up with your Mohs
surgeon for recommendations. In order to minimize scarring, it has been my
experience that the use of a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based sunscreen
applied throughout the day to all sun exposed areas is the first step in scar
reduction.  Even better for scar
minimization is use of a silicone based product with sunscreen. Again, it is
best to follow up with you Mohs surgeon for their recommendations.

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I encourage all patients to use either Vaseline or Aquaphor for at least 2 weeks post procedure. Keeping it moist provides a healing barrier and allows the wound to stay somewhat protected without a bandage.  After the two weeks it is your choice. Regardless, you need to apply a moisturizing cream on the area along with sunscreen .  Best,Ariel Ostad MD PC

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

Your choice. It's not necessary to keep applying the Vaseline, but if it offers you some benefit, you can certainly continue to use it.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The reason that you put Vaseline (or other products on) is so that the area stays moist and heals from the bottom up. So that you can avoid a divet in the treated area. If your skin is nice and flat and pink, then you can stop applying the Vaseline, but if it not, then go ahead and keep using it. As far as additional post care, make sure you are applying sunscreen to the area and keeping it out of the sun. This is new skin and very susceptible to burns. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Mohs surgery post stitch care, should I keep putting Vaseline on the scar after the week is over?

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