First, the new Spanish government told the United States that it was willing to offer a change in the Reconcentration policies (the main set of policies that was feeding yellow journalism in the United States) if the Cuban rebels agreed to a cessation of hostilities.
Some were assigned to keep their stitched wounds dry and covered for at least 48 hours (the control group), and others were told to keep the dressing on to absorb immediate bleeding, then remove it and bathe as normal in the first 12 hours. None of the patients were on antibiotics.
Removing Stitches Preparation. If a person has received stitches, they should be given instructions for taking care of the stitches and wound, and be given an approximate date to have the stitches removed. Keep wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours. Showering is allowed after 48 hours, but do not soak the wound. Bandages can safely be removed from the wound after 48 hours, unless the wound continues to bleed or has a discharge. If bandages are kept in place and get wet, the wet bandage should be replaced with a clean dry bandage.