Can Neosporin Be Applied To Dissolvable Sutures ?

Posted on Sun, 7 Aug 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 7 Aug 2011 Answered on

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Question : I had a procedure done 10 days ago to correct penile curvature. I have one place along the circumcision sutures that is now a little irritated. I believe these are dissolvable sutures - my question is can I put Neosporin on dissolvable stitches or does it degrade them

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (20 minutes later)

Hello and thanks for the query.

You can put some neosporin along the suture line. This would be safe and not XXXXXXX nor will it cause a breakdown of the healing tissue.

I recommend you apply a thin film three times daily which should aid the healing process. Within 7 to 10 days I would expect the irritation to be almost completely resolved.

Thanks again for submitting your query. I hope you have found this response to be timely and adequate. Should you have additional concerns regarding this issue I would be happy to address them.

Regards,

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (28 minutes later)

thank you for your response, but I want to make sure I understand correctly. My concern is the effect of the Neosporing on the absorbably sutures themselves - that it might cause them to break down. I am probably worrying too much, but want to be sure this incision heals properly.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (11 hours later)

Hello and thanks for the followup.

The neosporin will not disturb the absorbable nature of the sutures nor will it cause them to degrade sooner than they normally would in the absence of a topical preparation such as the neosporin. Your questions are quite appropriate and I hope my answers have served to be helpful.

If you have any additional followups please let me know.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T