Mohs Surgery
Please tell me the best way to care for this secondary open wound after Mohs Surgery. I think I should have gotten stitches, but the Mohs surgeon just gave me the option of stitches or open wound. I wish he had just stitched it up without asking me. I am desparate for encouragement!
...I am so sorry that your Mohs surgery is causing you so much distress. I completely understand your concerns. It's difficult to deal with any excision site, but an open one raises even more questions.
I haven't had an excision site left open, but I did some research and found a few articles that might help you out.
https://www.mohssurgery.org/blog/mohs-surgery/wound-care-a-crucial-aspect-of-mohs-recovery/
https://www.slucare.edu/dermatology/mohs-surgery/mohs-recovery.php
This one has some information on reducing scarring:
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/embrace-your-scars/
It looks like the consensus is to keep the area moist to reduce the chance of scarring.
I hope this information helps you and gives you some encouragement. I know what it feels like to worry and wonder. Sending you lots of hugs for healing!
April, SkinCancer.net, ModeratorI have had MOHS left open. I keep it moist with white petroleum jelly, keep it covered until I can see the edges knitting inwards and as it heals until it looks just a bit crusty on the edges. Usually I heal up well. I do use ScarRid after it looks closed. I think it makes a difference. Good luck, gcrain. Nothing is beyond you, you can manage this with patience. Your MOHS will heal.
...Thank you for your advice and encouragement for . We are glad you are a member of our community! Sending you hugs for continued healing! April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
My Mohs defect has filled in but it’s still very red/pink and still very delicate. This is an open wound about the size of a nickel. How long will I need to clean, apply aquaphore and a bandage?
...I am so glad you seem to be past the worst of it! I know this has been a long and difficult road for you.
I would keep a light bandage on the area as long as you feel it is tender and may easily be opened if bumped. The Aquaphor will keep it from becoming too dry and may stop some of the itching as it heals. I would keep applying a little each day until you feel the wound is filled in enough to not require it. Do you have a follow-up scheduled with your doctor? He/she should be able to give you a more definitive answer on how long to keep the area covered.
Please keep us posted! We are here for you!
April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
Most articles refer to healing of stictched wounds. I can't find anything referring to secondary healing of open wounds from Mohs especially none with pictures.
Hello, I wrote an article about open wounds, but not exclusively regarding Mohs. The surgeon could not close the wound and it had to heal open. The link is here. https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/open-wound-care Hope this helps. Scott skincancer.net team member
