protecting stitches under mask strap

Hi,

I'm going to get a very very benign lump just below under my skin removed. This lump is right below the occipital lobe where just about every mask I know of (or have handy anyway) runs a strap across. So I can't avoid a mask strap running over where I'm going to have a fresh cut and stiches.

Anyone have any ideas how to minimize rubbing and protect the skin? I was thinking some kind of headsock or balaclava. I'm using a full face mask.

I'd discuss it with the doctor and/or nurses who'll be involved, because whatever you do could affect healing time or the possibility of infection. I'm sure you're not the first patient to have a similar issue and there are all kinds of things these days that they can use I think to deal with it.

Please speak to the doctor, they have probably dealt with this or other similar situations and have some idea how to deal with this with least amount of irritation, etc. to the healing skin.

john_dozer wrote:Hi,

I'm going to get a very very benign lump just below under my skin removed. This lump is right below the occipital lobe where just about every mask I know of (or have handy anyway) runs a strap across. So I can't avoid a mask strap running over where I'm going to have a fresh cut and stiches.

Anyone have any ideas how to minimize rubbing and protect the skin? I was thinking some kind of headsock or balaclava. I'm using a full face mask.

I suspect they are going to have to come up with some sort of protective "cage" to prevent the straps rubbing. You can wrap the straps in a scrap of fleece to make them softer. If I were you I would bring my mask to the clinic so they can see what they are up against. Make it absolutely clear that you can NOT go without this equipment for any length of time and that THEY must find a solution.

I wonder if a pap cap might work in this situation. You could pad around the area where the stitches are with a "doughnut" of foam so that the pap cap doesn't rest directly on the wound (although, after the first few days pressure might be desirable to reduce scar tissue and swelling--ask your doctor).

The pap cap would distribute pressure more evenly and reduce the shearing effect that straps would have against your skin when you move your head.

I war a knitted cap over the crwon of my head down to my neck. Good Luck

A couple of ideas:

1. Bring your mask and suggest that the incision be made in line with the strap, so that the strap runs the length of the incision, and not across the incision; and

2. At bed time, lightly tape a gauze pad atop the stitches, between the stitches and the mask strap. 3M paper tape would be the way to go.