How long should a wound not get wet after CO2 laser treatment?

Q: How long should a wound not get wet after CO2 laser treatment?

After CO2 laser treatment, avoid direct contact with water for the first 24 hours. In the initial stages, the wound is an open wound at high risk of infection. Contact with unclean water or prolonged immersion in water increases the chance of bacteria entering the wound and causing inflammation. After 24 hours, the wound will begin to dry and scab over, signaling wound healing. You can then gently cleanse your face with saline solution to remove any remaining dirt and germs. Apply prescribed medication. Avoid sun exposure, cosmetics, strenuous exercise, and direct contact with the wound. Redness, swelling, and scabs are normal symptoms, but if you experience any unusual symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

Dr. Apinya Saokaew

No. 49465

After CO2 Laser treatment. Avoid direct contact with water for the first 24 hours. becauseInitially, the wound was an open, fresh wound that was at high risk of infection. Exposure to unclean water or prolonged immersion in water increases the chance of bacteria entering the wound and causing inflammation. After 24 hours, the wound will begin to dry and scab over. This is a sign that the wound is healing, so we can gently cleanse the face with saline solution to remove any dirt and germs that may have accumulated. Apply prescribed medication, and avoid sun exposure, cosmetics, strenuous exercise, and direct contact with the wound. Redness, swelling, and scaling of the skin are normal symptoms. But if you experience any unusual symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.

This answer provides only preliminary information. Please schedule an appointment with a doctor for a detailed examination and information.

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Why should you avoid getting your skin wet after CO2 Laser treatment?

After CO2 laser treatment, our skin is very delicate and has small open wounds. Getting these wounds wet, especially with unclean water, could lead to infection.

And how long should it not get wet...?

Generally speaking Doctors recommend avoiding direct contact with water for at least the first 24 hours. After CO2 laser treatment, you can cleanse your face as usual after 24 hours, but do so gently and use products that are gentle on your skin.

How to care for a wound after CO2 Laser treatment…How to promote faster healing?

Clean the wound: After the first 24 hours, you can cleanse your face using... saline หรือ Cooled boiled water Gently wipe the wound area.
Apply the ointment: Apply the prescribed medication regularly. The medications used are mostly antibiotics to prevent infection and those that help heal wounds.
Avoid sunlight: Sunlight is a major enemy of skin that has recently undergone laser treatment, therefore... You must apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher regularly. And avoid exposure to strong sunlight.
Avoid using cosmetics: In the initial period, you should refrain from using cosmetics to allow your skin to fully recover.
Avoid strenuous exercise: Strenuous exercise causes sweating, which can keep wounds moist and increase the risk of infection.
Avoid direct contact with the wound: Do not pick, scratch, or touch the wound directly, as this may cause inflammation and delay healing.
Get enough rest: Getting enough rest will help your body recover faster.

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Normal symptoms that may occur after CO2 Laser treatment.

Red skin: Skin redness is a normal reaction after CO2 laser treatment and will gradually improve within 2-3 days.
Swollen skin: Swelling is also normal and will gradually subside within 2-3 days.
splinter: A scab will form on the skin, which is a normal process of wound healing. Do not pick at the scabs. Because it may cause scarring.