 [ Symptoms ] how do you care for an open wound after basal cell cancer surgery on your scalp  the dr was not able to completely stitch together the opening left and decided to leave it heal on its own they stitched together what they could and there is an opening about an inch by 13 of an inch big still being a working woman i need to wash my hair to go to work how is this cared for a cleaned also how long does it typically take to heal to the point it does not need a dressing or bandage  [ Disease ] hi sounds like you have the flu that is how its gets you best you just stay in bed for a couple of days just let it run its course with just pain killers lots of fluids its the only way your beat it but even then your still need a week off so you can build yourself back up good luck