ADVICE AFTER CURETTAGE(‘SCRAPING’)

Compassionate Care for Every Stage of Life

ADVICE AFTER CURETTAGE (‘SCRAPING’)

On the first day, the treated area usually turns red & slightly inflamed. Over the next few days, the area may blister (with either
clear or pink fluid)

DRESSING / CLEANING

Leave the dressing in place for 3 days.
Keep the dressing dry. Replace if wet.
Remove the dressing after this period; replace with a simple band-aid.
Leave band-aid on for a further 3 days. Keep dry.
After this, keep wound/scab moist with a small amount of Vaseline.
Keep wound clean (may need to be covered if in dirty environment).
At any time you may wash gently (soap & water or salty water only) and pat dry.

INFECTION

If you experience any of the following, please contact the appropriate phone number listed in this page

Redness (aside from the naturally occurring red rim to any wound)
Increasing pain
Swelling
Smelliness
Pus in/around the wound
Excessive bleeding – ie. more than a ‘smudge’ on the dressing
General temperature/fever
At the first sign of infection, please dab site with an antiseptic (e.g. Dettol or Iodine).
If you think that healing is not going as planned, please contact the clinic on the number above.

PAIN

OUTCOME

APPEARANCE

The end result of a curette is usually a patch of pale skin – the same size & shape of the part removed. This may not be apparent for some months after the procedure, the site being red / pink until then.
If the scar appears to be getting lumpy or raised, please contact the clinic on the number above when you first notice it.
If any of the original skin cancer symptoms / colour (frequently red) appear around the treated area at any time (even years after treatment), please contact the clinic.