How to treat an irritated incision?

Question

I had surgery 10 days ago, on day 7 my cast and stitches were removed. One if my nostrils is irritated and the incision is not healing as nicely as the other ones in the columella and other nostril. I applied Neosporin to it but I feel it doesn't help much and it's a little irritated in fact I think the Neosporin irritates it more. I'm afraid It will be more noticeable in that area. What should I do to heal it and prevent bad scaring? Thanks!

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi New Look,Some after pictures would
definitely help in your assessment. Irritation to certain medications happens especially in the nose since it it colonized with bacteria always. Sometimes Vaseline or bacitracin can help without causing more inflammation. You can use silicone gel for the columellar scar. The internasal scars are imperceptable.   I recommend expressing your concerns to
your plastic surgeon.  Good Luck.
All the best,
Carlos Mata MD, MBA, FACS

Don Fontana, MD · Answer

As my colleagues have indicated too much  neosporin is simply too much . Avoid it, although at 10 days there should be minimal irritation. Check with your surgeon, and if he/she  agrees, stop using all  ointments for  two days and see if the area improves.  You  may simply  have a reaction to the ointment.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Neosporine should be avoided as it can cause hypersensitivity reaction and redness of your incision. Please consider applying Bacitracin ointment or topical polymyxin instead which will avoid hypersensitivity.

How to treat an irritated incision?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How to treat an irritated incision?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.