Stitches (Sutures)
General Guidelines:
Do's (√):
- Keep the wound as clean and dry as possible during the first 24 to 48 hours after the stitches have been placed.
- Leave the dressing on the wound during the first 24 hours.
- Follow the instructions of your health care provider when you want to wash, dry, or change the dressing.
- Check wound and stitches every day for signs of infection.
- Make sure that your hands are clean when you tend to the wound.
- Take painkillers to alleviate pain if instructed by your doctor.
- Follow up with your health care provider to make sure your wound is healing properly.
- Only use creams or ointments recommended by your doctor.
Don'ts (X):
- Don't rub the stitches directly, use a clean paper towel instead.
- Don't leave the dressing of the wound or the clothes over the stitches wet because this allows bacteria to reach the area, which can cause infections.
- Avoid any activities that exert pressure on the area that has been sutured.
- Do not swim or soak the wound (for example by washing the dishes without wearing gloves) until the sutures have been removed.
- Don't let children play with water, mud or sand.
You need to see a doctor or go to the emergency room again if:
- The wound continues to bleed even after being sutured.
- Sutures fall out before their removal date.
- You notice signs of infection, which include:
- Increased pain
- Swelling and redness in the area.
- Fever.
- Pus or smelly discharge.
- Numbness or tingling around the area of the wound.
If your sutures are also dressed with bandages, follow the care instructions given by your doctor.
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