Post surgery incision care advice. The doctor told me to use hydrogen peroxide and bacitracin. Isn't HP bad for wounds?

Dear 4moa77m9M,for scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question! To answer it shortly - too much hydrogen peroxide is bad.  It destroys the cells that are actively trying to heal the wounded area.  However, a dilute small amount of HP can keep crusting away.  Keeping the crusting away is very important when it comes to healing.  I personally also prefer bacitracin as polysporin/Neosporin have high levels of skin sensitization after 2 weeks of use.  When in doubt, always ask your docs office, as you certainly don't want to cause any harm to the area that's healing. Best of luck and congrats on your surgery! 

I tell my patients to use polysporin twice daily on the incision line until sutures are removed at one week. Additionally, small amounts of hydrogen peroxide are applied on a q-tip ONLY if crusting occurs along the incision line. Crusting is bad for healing. Large amounts of hydrogen peroxide should not be used as this can irritate the healing skin. Hope that helps.
Gary Linkov, MD