Injured dome

[Professor Melon]

  Dear Sly Bro's: Here's a dilemma: tripped and fell while painting the cellar stairwell ceiling on Memorial Day weekend (late Friday). Suffered two cracked ribs and a 5-inch gash on the dome, requiring 15 stitches to close. Have been wearing a dressing over it since. Very frustrated as the stitched gash is on the left side, just where the natutally bald area touches the horseshoe. The stitches come out tomorrow. After that...? Can't wait to resume shaving, but what can I expect? Have you experienced a similar situation? Can one shave around the abraded areas? Is there a topical that can keep the area clean? The doctor has warned me against any exposure to the sune, so goodbye to the tanned dome in 2007. Hate the stubble I've lived with for a week. Any advice? Professor Melon

[BaldRob]

Biggest thing is that we're glad your ok and that you didn't break a hip!   

15 stitches on the noggin has to suck!  I would think that when you can shave again, go by feel and mirror and get as close to the scar as you're able.  It'll probably be some time before you can shave the scarred area directly.

As far as the topical to keep the area clean, definitely ask the doc what you can use.  My sister did a lot of research in wound care in the military and things such as neosporin, hydrogen peroxide, etc, actually do more harm than good (I can't elaborate because she says everything in medical terms which fly right over my head).

The no-sun exposure is probably a good thing because the scar will be healing and is more susceptable to burning.  I cut my head on a tree branch not too long ago and after it healed, the area burned relatively quickly, even with sunscreen.

Good luck and speedy recovery!

[herronm]

Professor, I'm glad it wasn't worse.  I doubt you'll grow a comb over to cover the scar.

Get better.

Max

[Medic aka Rocko]

I wish you a speedy recovery Professor.  I'd get as close as possible to the scar with the regular shave method, then perhaps lightly go over it with an electric razor.  That way you could keep the stubble knocked down until its healed well enough to shave regularly (of course with caution)!

[Paul]

Good to know your injuries were not more severe, Professor.  Depending on individual healing time you should be able to follow Medic's advice by using an electric razor on the actual scarred area until completely healed.  I used that method with a large cut and it worked well.  Staying out of the sun with a major wound is a must.  Former g/f plastic surgeon advised no sun for a year on a large scarred area otherwise area may would not tan properly and blend in when healed.

[Professor Melon]

  Thanks, mates. I AM glad it was not worse; I could easily have lost an eye, a couple of teeth, or a hip (in fact, my left thigh and arm are badly bruised). What I have to work with will be clearer when the stitches come out. This may be the time to ask Karen/wife to learn how to shave me, although, like most, the shaver knows his head and how to razor it in a unique way. Now shaving is not just a choice, but a privilege. Hopefully, I'll be back to full chrome dome by the end of the summer. Next time, I'll wear a helmet. Thanks, again, Professor Melon

[Ian]

Glad to hear your on the mend Prof.

[jusbnme]

Damn!  Sorry to hear about it Pro.Melon.  Never had an experience with a head injury other than just being natural messed up in the head.    But seriously, just wanted to say glad you're ok.   

[wpruitt]

Glad you were hurt no worse professor.  When I had a bicycle wreck a few years ago, the ER Doc told me swab around the stitches (on my face) with peroxide to lessen any scarring.  It worked; the scar is almost non-visible.  Good luck and hang in there

[Tyler]

I wish you a speedy recovery Professor.  I'd get as close as possible to the scar with the regular shave method, then perhaps lightly go over it with an electric razor.  That way you could keep the stubble knocked down until its healed well enough to shave regularly (of course with caution)!

That's a great suggestion!

Prof, sorry to hear about your home repair battle wounds.  I wish you a speedy recovery.

[froze]

speedy recovery Melon!

I have very tender skin and have had stitches in my head and face
and my experience is that I didn't worry to much about until the stitches came
out and then was really carefull around the injured place.
It will be tender for quite awhile(it was with me) but never fear it will get better!
My experience is keep the doctor recommended meds on it until it heals!
I let some dry out and had problems!
Anyway speedy recovery!!!

[Stu]

Prof, you might want to ask your doctor about 'Mederma.'  It's an OTC cream that helps minimize any scarring after stitches.  You massage the affected area a couple times each day.  A plastic surgeon had us use it on my daughter's face where she had some stitches.

[**sticks**]

Wish you a speedy recovery Professor!!

Just show us this cellar ceiling and we will take care of it! 

[fireman]

wishing a speedy recovery Professor. I second what STEW said, there is some OTC stuff that works wonders for the face and head.