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Heal C, Buettner P, Raasch B, et al Can Sutures Get Wet? Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial of Wound Management in General Practice
BMJ. 2006;332:1053-1056


The aim of this study was to ascertain whether it is safe to allow surgical wounds to become wet. The study group consisted of patients who had minor nonfacial skin lesions requiring excision, which was usually performed by a general physician. Patients were randomly assigned to either the "dry and covered" group (n = 442) or to the "no bandage, bathing is ok" group (n = 415). The main endpoint was wound infection, which was nearly identical in the 2 groups: 8.4% of the wet group and 8.9% of the control group. The study authors concluded that after minor skin excisions, a bandage is unnecessary and it is safe to allow wounds to become wet.